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.
Then the twelve called, х proskalesamenoi (G4341)] - or 'convened'
The multitude, х to (G3588) pleethos (G4128)] - the general body of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason, х ouk (G3756) areston (G701) estin (G2076)] - It is not agreeable or 'satisfactory.' A feeling of dislike is implied-`We must not be made to submit longer to this.'
That we should leave the word of God - have our time and attention drawn off from the preaching of the Word. It thus appears that they regarded this as their primary work, and that whatever hindered them, to any extent, from prosecuting this, however important an its own place, was to be shaken off as soon as provision could be made for having it otherwise attended to.
And serve tables, х diakonein (G1247) trapezais (G5132)] - not 'money-tables,' or 'counters' for distributing alms (for the word "serve," 'minister to,' or 'supply,' is scarcely applicable to that), but 'provision-tables.' So the sense seems to be, 'that we should occupy ourselves in overseeing the distribution of provisions.'