Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in those days, awhen the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the bHellenists, 1because their widows were neglected cin the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, d“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, eseek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this fbusiness; 4 but we gwill give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, ha man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and iPhilip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and jNicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and kwhen they had prayed, lthey laid hands on them.

7 Then mthe word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many nof the priests were obedient to the faith.