Seven Chosen to Serve

6 In those days, as the number of the disciples d was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews e against the Hebraic Jews f that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. g 2 Then 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. h 3 Therefore, * brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, i full of the Spirit j and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” 5 The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, k a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a * proselyte from Antioch. l 6 They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed m and laid their hands on n them. o

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