Acts 6:1–7

Seven Chosen to Serve

6In those days, as the number of the disciples ^dwas multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews ^eagainst the Hebraic Jews ^fthat their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. ^g2Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters. ^h3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, ⁱfull of the Spirit ^jand wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. ⁴But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” ⁵The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, ^ka man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch. ^l6They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed ^mand laid their hands on ⁿthem. ^o

⁷So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied ^pgreatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.