Acts 6:3
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπισκέψασθε
look ye out
G1980
ἐπισκέψασθε
look ye out
Strong's:
G1980
Word #:
1 of 19
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
οὖν,
Wherefore
G3767
οὖν,
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐξ
among
G1537
ἐξ
among
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
μαρτυρουμένους
of honest report
G3140
μαρτυρουμένους
of honest report
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
7 of 19
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Ἅγιου
of the Holy
G40
Ἅγιου
of the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
11 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καταστήσομεν
we may appoint
G2525
καταστήσομεν
we may appoint
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
15 of 19
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:13Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.3 John 1:12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.Isaiah 28:6And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.Isaiah 28:26For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.Acts 10:22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.Acts 1:21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.Acts 22:12And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Historical Context
The selection of the Seven resolved Greek-speaking Jewish Christians' complaint about food distribution neglect. This first recorded church office (proto-deacons) allowed apostles to maintain prayer and word ministry while ensuring equitable care.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does practical ministry require the same spiritual qualifications as teaching ministry?
- How should churches today involve congregations in leadership selection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The qualifications for deacons—good reputation, Spirit-fullness, and wisdom—establish that even practical ministry requires spiritual character. The apostles' directive to 'look ye out' engages the congregation in leadership selection, modeling shared governance. These standards ensure that administrative service maintains spiritual integrity.