What does Acts 6:6 mean?

Explanation

Acts 6:6 describes an early practice within the Christian community whereby the apostles, who were the leaders and founders of the Church, formally appointed certain individuals to specific roles of service.

This verse is part of a larger narrative in which the apostles are addressing a complaint that arose within the Hellenistic part of the early Church.

The complaint was that the widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.

In response, the apostles instructed the community to select seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this task.

The verse in question narrates the confirmation of these men through prayer and the laying on of hands, a ritual action signifying the impartation of authority and blessing.

Historical Context

Acts 6:6 comes from the book of Acts, traditionally attributed to Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke. Acts is a historical account of the early Church's formation and spread.

The narrative in Chapter 6 occurs in Jerusalem shortly after the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

During this time, the early Christian community was experiencing rapid growth, and with it, growing pains.

As a result, cultural and linguistic differences between the Greek-speaking Hellenists and the Aramaic-speaking Hebrews began to surface, particularly concerning the care of their respective widows.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this passage has been interpreted to demonstrate the continuation of Jesus' ministry through the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The laying on of hands has been understood as a sacramental act, conveying God's grace and conferring an office or function within the Church.

It sets a precedent for ordination and the establishment of church order, distinguishing between the roles of the apostles focused on prayer and the ministry of the word, and the deacons, who are appointed for the service of the tables.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a model for the Church in addressing issues through community involvement and establishing clear roles and responsibilities.

It shows the importance of addressing the needs of the marginalized while maintaining the centrality of spiritual duties. It also underscores the value of prudent leadership selection based on character and spiritual maturity.

Christian communities can emulate this process when appointing individuals to various ministries and leadership positions.

Cross-References

• 1 Timothy 4:14 - "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
• 2 Timothy 1:6 - "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."
• Acts 13:3 - "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

Language Study

• "Laid their hands on them" (Greek: "επεθηκαν τας χειρας αυτοις"): This phrase suggests the impartation of authority, blessing, or spiritual gift. In the Greek, "epithēkan" (they placed/they laid) denotes a deliberate action, and "cheiras" (hands) implies a physical touch. This phraseology in the context has a ceremonial or ritualistic meaning, signifying an act of commissioning.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious context of the time, the laying on of hands was not unique to Christianity but was a common practice in Judaism for blessings and ceremonial purposes.

Similar to ancient blessings, Christian communities adopted and transformed the practice with a new significance, reflecting the impartation of the Holy Spirit and authority within the Church, distinct from the Old Testament priestly or paternal blessings.

Scientific Perspectives

The practice of laying on of hands does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it is a religious and symbolic act.

However, the human touch has been studied extensively in the scientific field for its psychological and physiological effects on individuals.

While the scientific perspective would not attribute a supernatural transfer through the action, it acknowledges that human touch can communicate care, strengthen social bonds, and even promote healing.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various insights into Acts 6:6.

For instance, John Calvin highlights the role of the community in the selection process, observing the democratic nature of the early Church.

Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of the prayer that accompanies the laying on of hands, suggesting that it was the invocation of God's blessing upon the chosen men.

Furthermore, some contemporary scholars focus on the social justice aspect of the passage, noting that the apostles' actions were motivated by a desire to ensure fair treatment for all members of the community, reflecting a deep concern for social equity within the Church.