“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.”
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to serve tables' - the Twelve distinguish between two vocations: 'the ministry of the word' (diakonia tou logou) and 'serving tables' (diakonein trapezais). This is not a devaluation of table service but a recognition of distinct charisms. The Twelve's primary calling is apostolic witness, not administrative work. The decision to delegate table service is pragmatic wisdom, not spiritual hierarchy.
Church Fathers on Acts 6:2
Then, it says, 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. Acts 6:2 Well said: for the needful must give precedence to the more needful. But see, how straightway they both take thought for these (inferior matters), and yet do not neglect the preaching. Because their widows were overlooked: for those (the Hebrews) were treated as the persons of greater consequence…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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