ISB ~ Acts 6 v6

laid their hands:A symbolic gesture of consecration and commission (13:3; Num 27:18-23).

• Several considerations suggest the Seven are the first ordained deacons of the Church. (1) The laying on of hands is elsewhere linked with the sacramental sign of ordination (1 Tim 4:14); (2) the men are commissioned “to serve” (6:2), which translates a Greek verb related to the noun “deacon” (Phil 1:1); and (3) their ministry also includes preaching (8:5) and baptizing (8:12). In Catholic tradition, the diaconate is the first level of Holy Orders and conforms the recipient to Christ the Servant (Lk 22:27; CCC 1569-70).