Study it in the app“So the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.”
The neglected widows are cared for and seven are chosen for itThe Church and Community
Soδὲthe twelveοἱ δώδεκαsummonedπροσκαλεσάμενοιthe multitudeτὸ πλῆθοςof the disciplesτῶν μαθητῶνand said,εἶπαν“It isἐστινnotΟὐκdesirableἀρεστόνfor usἡμᾶςto neglectκαταλείψανταςthe wordτὸν λόγονof Godτοῦ θεοῦin order to serveδιακονεῖνtables.τραπέζαις
twelve
The quantity twelve, the number of the tribes of Israel.
Where else “dōdeka” appearssummon
Call to oneself, summon.
Where else “proskalesamenoi” appearscrowd
Many persons gathered.
Where else “plēthos” appearsdisciple
A follower of Jesus.
Where else “mathētōn” appearssay
To express something in words to others.
Where else “eipan” appearsbe
To be: says who or what something is.
Where else “estin” appearspleasing
Pleasing, what pleases someone.
Where else “areston” appearsforsake
To give something up completely, for something greater.
Where else “kataleipsantas” appearsmessage
What God says, proclaimed to people.
Where else “logon” appearsGod
The Creator and Lord of all, the one God of Israel.
Where else “theou” appearsserve
To take care of others, help with their needs.
Where else “diakonein” appearstable
The piece of furniture one eats at, and the food on it.
Where else “trapezais” appearsLiterally “to serve tables”; from 6:1 it can be understood as the daily distribution of food.
1Now in these days, as the disciples were increasing, there arose a complaint by the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.
2 · This verse (above)
3So, brothers, select from among you seven men of good testimony, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task;
1. What it says
What complaint arose among the disciples, and whom did they choose to handle it? (vv. 1-6)
2. What it means
Why did the apostles prefer to give themselves to prayer and the word, and entrust the serving to others? (vv. 2-4)
3. How I live it
In this story some people were being overlooked. Whom in your family or community could you pay closer attention to?
