Acts 6:4 – “and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Extended Explanation

This verse records the decision of the apostles as they faced a growing challenge in the early church. Some believers had complained that certain widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1). The apostles understood the importance of caring for those in need, but they also knew their primary calling—preaching God’s word and leading the church in prayer.

Rather than trying to handle everything themselves, they chose to delegate the responsibility of food distribution to other godly men (Acts 6:3). This allowed them to stay focused on the two key aspects of their ministry: prayer and teaching God’s word.

This verse teaches a vital lesson about priorities in ministry. The apostles were not saying that practical service was unimportant. Instead, they were recognizing that their God-given mission required full dedication. They had been personally commissioned by Jesus to spread the gospel, and that work required their time, energy, and spiritual focus.

Historical Context

At this point in church history, the Christian community in Jerusalem was growing rapidly. Thousands had come to faith (Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4), and with growth came challenges. The church functioned as a close-knit family, sharing resources to support one another (Acts 2:44-45). But as needs increased, managing the practical aspects of ministry became overwhelming.

Jewish tradition emphasized the importance of both teaching and charity. Rabbis devoted themselves to studying and teaching God’s word, while local synagogue leaders ensured that the poor and widows were cared for. The apostles, having been trained by Jesus, followed a similar structure: they committed themselves fully to preaching and prayer while entrusting others with administrative responsibilities.

The phrase “give our attention” in Greek (προσκαρτερήσομεν) means to be devoted to something with intense focus. The apostles were making a clear statement that prayer and teaching were not just part of their ministry—they were the foundation of it.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the importance of prayer and preaching in the life of the church. The apostles understood that spiritual leadership is not just about managing people but about being deeply connected to God.

1. Prayer is essential – It is not an afterthought or a secondary duty. The apostles saw prayer as a core part of their leadership, seeking God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance in all things.
2. Teaching God’s word is central – The early church was built on the truth of Scripture. Without strong teaching, the believers would lack direction, and the church’s mission would weaken.

This verse also shows a biblical model for church leadership. Pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders today must prioritize prayer and the ministry of the word, ensuring that their time is spent nurturing the spiritual growth of the church.

Literary Analysis

Acts 6:4 is part of a structured narrative that shows how the early church handled conflict and growth. The previous verses present the problem (neglected widows), and this verse introduces the solution: delegation of responsibilities so that the apostles could stay focused on their calling.

Luke, the author of Acts, carefully emphasizes both prayer and the ministry of the word. These two aspects are connected. A strong teaching ministry must be built on a foundation of prayer. The use of the phrase “give our attention” implies that this was not something the apostles did occasionally—it was their main focus.

This verse also sets the stage for what comes next. Because the apostles remained committed to prayer and teaching, the church continued to grow and thrive (Acts 6:7). Luke’s writing shows that when church leaders remain faithful to their God-given priorities, the whole church benefits.

Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 1:35 – “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Jesus prioritized prayer in His ministry.)
• 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (Paul instructs Timothy to stay devoted to the ministry of the word.)
• Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (A call for all believers to remain committed to prayer.)
• Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that prayer and God’s word should be central in our own lives. If the apostles, who walked with Jesus, knew they needed to dedicate themselves fully to these things, how much more do we?

1. Make prayer a priority – It’s easy to get distracted by daily responsibilities, but time with God in prayer is vital.
2. Stay grounded in God’s word – In a world full of opinions and distractions, we must be rooted in Scripture.
3. Recognize the importance of different callings – Not everyone is called to be a preacher, but every believer has a role in the church. The key is knowing what God has called you to do and being faithful to it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He provides spiritual nourishment for His people. Just as physical food is necessary for survival, God provides spiritual food through prayer and His word. By instructing the apostles to stay focused on these things, He was ensuring that His people would receive truth, guidance, and encouragement.

God does not leave His people without direction. He raises up leaders, equips them to teach, and calls His people to seek Him in prayer. This verse shows God’s love in how He structures His church to care for both the physical and spiritual needs of His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus was the ultimate example of someone devoted to both prayer and the word of God.

• Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Jesus constantly sought time in prayer.)
• Luke 4:43 – “But he said, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.’” (Jesus was fully devoted to preaching the gospel.)
• John 17 – Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples and all future believers.

The apostles were simply following the example that Jesus set. Just as Jesus prioritized prayer and teaching, they knew that their ministry had to be built on the same foundation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the apostles made prayer and the ministry of the word their top priority?
2. How does this verse challenge your own personal priorities?
3. Do you find it difficult to make time for prayer and studying the Bible? What changes could help?
4. How does this passage show the importance of different roles in the church?
5. What can we learn from Jesus’ example of prayer and preaching?

This verse reminds us that prayer and God’s word are the foundation of a strong Christian life. Just as the apostles devoted themselves to these things, we should do the same, trusting that God will guide, strengthen, and bless us as we seek Him.