In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,^a the Hellenistic Jews^b among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows^c were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.^d So the Twelve gathered all the disciples^e together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God^f in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters,^g choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit^h and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to themⁱ and will give our attention to prayer^j and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,^k a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;^l also Philip,^m Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented them to the apostles, who prayedⁿ and laid their hands on them.^o

So the word of God spread.^p The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^q and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

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Cross references

a Ac 2:41
b Ac 9:29
c Ac 9:39,41; 1Ti 5:3
d Ac 4:35
e Ac 11:26
f Heb 4:12
g Ac 1:16
h Lk 1:15
i Ex 18:21; Ne 13:13
j Ac 1:14
kver 8; Ac 7:55–60; 11:19; 22:20
l Lk 1:15
m Ac 8:5–40; 21:8
n Ac 1:24
o Nu 8:10; 27:18; Ac 9:17; 19:6; 28:8; 1Ti 4:14; Mk 5:23
p Ac 12:24; 19:20
q Ac 2:41