Act 6:2-4 | RWP | e4.org | The multitude ( το πληθος ). The whole church, not just the 120. Fit ( αρεστον ). Pleasing, verbal adjective from αρεσκω , to please, old word, but in the N.T. only here and ; ; . Non placet . Should forsake ( καταλειψαντας ). Late first aorist active participle for usual second aorist καταλιποντας from καταλειπω , to leave behind. Serve tables ( διακονειν τραπεζαις ). Present active infinitive of διακονεω from διακονος ( δια and κονις , dust), to raise a dust in a hurry, to serve, to minister either at table ( ), or other service ( .), to serve as deacon ( , ). "Tables" here hardly means money-tables as in , but rather the tables used in the common daily distribution of the food (possibly including the love-feasts, ). This word is the same root as διακονια (ministration) in verse and διακονος (deacon) in ; . It is more frequently used in the N.T. of ministers (preachers) than of deacons, but it is quite possible, even probable, that the office of deacon as separate from bishop or elder grew out of this incident in . Furneaux is clear that these "seven" are not to be identified with the later "deacons" but why he does not make clear.

‏ Acts 6:2-4

The multitude ( το πληθος ). The whole church, not just the 120.

Fit ( αρεστον ). Pleasing, verbal adjective from αρεσκω, to please, old word, but in the N.T. only here and Ac 12:3; Joh 8:29; 1Jo 3:22. Non placet.

Should forsake ( καταλειψαντας ). Late first aorist active participle for usual second aorist καταλιποντας from καταλειπω, to leave behind.

Serve tables ( διακονειν τραπεζαις ). Present active infinitive of διακονεω from διακονος ( δια and κονις, dust), to raise a dust in a hurry, to serve, to minister either at table (Joh 12:20), or other service (Joh 12:25f.), to serve as deacon (1Ti 3:10, 13). "Tables" here hardly means money-tables as in Joh 2:15, but rather the tables used in the common daily distribution of the food (possibly including the love-feasts, Ac 2:43-47). This word is the same root as διακονια (ministration) in verse 1 and διακονος (deacon) in Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:8-13. It is more frequently used in the N.T. of ministers (preachers) than of deacons, but it is quite possible, even probable, that the office of deacon as separate from bishop or elder grew out of this incident in Ac 6:1-7. Furneaux is clear that these "seven" are not to be identified with the later "deacons" but why he does not make clear.

Of good report ( μαρτυρουμενους ). Present passive participle of μαρτυρεω, to bear witness to. Men with a good reputation as well as with spiritual gifts (the Holy Spirit and wisdom).

We may appoint ( καταστησομεν ). Future active indicative of καθιστημ, we shall appoint. The action of the apostles follows the choice by the church, but it is promised as a certainty, not as a possibility. The Textus Receptus has a first aorist active subjunctive here ( καταστησωμεν ).

But we ( εμεις δε ). In contrast to the work given the seven.

The ministry of the word ( τη διακονια του λογου ). The same word διακονια employed in verse 1, but here about preaching as the special ministry with which the apostles were concerned. For "continue steadfastly" ( προσκαρτερησομεν ) see on 2:42.