New Testament
Acts 6:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the 12 apostles called all the disciples together and said, "It wouldn't be right for us to neglect the word of God in order to manage food distribution.
Compare translations
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
What Acts 6:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the twelve apostles gathered all the disciples to address a growing concern. They recognized that their primary responsibility was to share the message of God, which was being overshadowed by the need to manage food distribution among the community. The apostles understood that while serving others is important, they needed to focus on their mission of teaching and preaching. They decided to delegate the task of food distribution to others, ensuring that both spiritual and practical needs were met. This decision highlights the importance of prioritizing responsibilities and recognizing the unique roles within a community. By doing so, they could maintain their commitment to spreading the word of God while also caring for the needs of the people. This moment illustrates the balance between spiritual leadership and practical service, showing that both are essential for a healthy community. It encourages us to identify our strengths and delegate tasks to others, ensuring that everyone contributes to the greater good.
How to apply Acts 6:2 to your life
Consider your own responsibilities and how you can prioritize them effectively. Are there tasks you can delegate to others? By recognizing the strengths of those around you, you can create a more balanced and supportive environment, allowing everyone to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community's goals. Remember, teamwork is key to success in any endeavor.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 6:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 6:2
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 6:2 mean?
Acts 6:2 describes how the apostles recognized the need to focus on preaching the word of God rather than getting involved in food distribution. They decided to delegate this responsibility to others, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their spiritual mission.
What is the meaning of delegation in Acts 6:2?
In Acts 6:2, delegation refers to the apostles assigning the task of food distribution to others. This allowed them to concentrate on their primary role of teaching and spreading the message of God, highlighting the importance of sharing responsibilities within a community.
How does Acts 6:2 relate to community service?
Acts 6:2 relates to community service by demonstrating that while serving others is important, leaders must also focus on their core responsibilities. The apostles' choice to delegate food distribution shows how communities can function effectively when tasks are shared according to individual strengths.
What leadership lesson can we learn from Acts 6:2?
A key leadership lesson from Acts 6:2 is the importance of prioritizing responsibilities and recognizing when to delegate tasks. Effective leaders understand their strengths and the strengths of others, allowing for a more balanced and productive community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.