Prayer and Ministering the Word - Acts 6:4

The physician Luke wrote, “in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 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. Wherefore, brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business”, and in chapter six and verse four of the book of Acts Luke shared how the disciples said, “we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” where we read:

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The verse begins, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, ...” Luke began with the words, “but we will give ourselves continually” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover we twelve disciples will adhere to, be devoted to perpetually and steadfastly attentive ” “to prayer” or “set apart or suited for the offering of supplications and oratory worship”. Luke shared how the “twelve disciples” told the other believers in Jesus they would “devote” themselves to “prayer to the Lord”.

The verse continues, “... and to the ministry of the word.” Luke added the words, “and to the ministry” which means “and toward the service and execution” “of the word” or “pertaining to the decree, mandate and moral precept given by God”. Luke shared how the “twelve disciples” also said they would “devote” themselves to the “servicing” of the “moral precepts provided by God”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “twelve disciples” told the other believers they would “devote” their time and energies to “prayer” and “the word of God”. The needs of the “widows” and others in the church were important, so the “twelve disciples” assigned the “seven men” to those tasks. God has a plan for His church, and when a person yields their life to His Son Jesus, they will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and become a functioning part of His church. Those who are in the “ministry” are to be busy about “praying” and “studying” God's word, and allow others to minister to the needs of the people in the church.

Next time Luke shares how, “the saying pleased the whole multitude”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".