6:2a

So: The Greek word here is often translated “and” or “but.” For example:

And (Revised Standard Version)

The following verses imply that the apostles called a meeting as a result of the problem in 6:1. The Berean Standard Bible and some English versions translate the Greek word as So.

In some languages it is more natural to omit this word and allow the context to imply the connection.

the Twelve: This refers to the twelve apostles. The twelve disciples of the Gospels are called “apostles” in Acts (for example: 1:2 and 5:40).

Some languages must have a noun to go with the number. If that is true in your language, add the word “apostles” here. That is what they are called in chapters 1–5. For example:

the twelve apostles (Good News Translation)

summoned: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as summoned indicates that the apostles sent a message for the believers to gather. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

called…together (Good News Translation)
-or-
called a meeting (New Living Translation (2004))

all the disciples: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as all refers generally to the believers as a group. The apostles probably invited all to come, and probably many or most did. Here are some other ways to translate this Greek word:

the group of disciples
-or-
the disciples/believers

disciples: This word refers in general to believers. See how you translated it in 6:1.

6:2b

It is unacceptable: The Greek is more literally “it is not pleasing/acceptable.” The verse probably implies pleasing or acceptable to God, because God told them to tell his message about Jesus (5:20). Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

It is not acceptable
-or-

⌊God⌋ would not be pleased if we neglect

for us: The word for introduces what is not pleasing/acceptable. It does not mean “because” here.

neglect: The Greek word means “set aside a task in order to not do it.” Here are some other ways to translate this word:

turn away from
-or-
ignore/avoid

the word of God: Some English versions add the words “the ministry of” to make it clear that this verse implies telling others the word of God, implying the gospel of Jesus (5:42). Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the ministry of the word of God (New International Version)
-or-
preaching the word of God (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
teaching the word of God (New Living Translation (2004))

The phrase the word of God refers to the message that God told the apostles to tell others. It implies the gospel of Jesus. It does not refer to a single word. For example:

God’s message (Contemporary English Version)

6:2c

wait on tables: There are two ways to interpret the Greek words here:

(1) It refers to bringing food to people at a table who have come for a meal. It is similar to a waiter in a restaurant but these people were too poor to buy the food. For example:

give out food (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word)

(2) It refers to taking and giving money. For example:

handle finances (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek lexicons do not mention that these Greek words refer to handling money.

General Comment on 6:2b–c

Some languages must have the judgment of a thing after mentioning that thing. For example:

2bFor us to neglect preaching the word of God 2cin order to wait on tables 2bis not acceptable.

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