Selection of seven to serve
1 About that time, while the number of disciples continued to increase, a complaint arose. Greek-speaking disciples accused the Aramaic-speaking disciples because their widows were being overlooked in the daily food service.
2
The Twelve called a meeting of all the disciples and said, "It isn't right for us to set aside proclamation of God's word in order to serve tables.
3
Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern.
4
As for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and the service of proclaiming the word."
5
This proposal pleased the entire community. They selected Stephen, a man endowed by the Holy Spirit with exceptional faith, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
6
The community presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7
God's word continued to grow. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly. Even a large group of priests embraced the faith.