Seven Chosen to Serve

1 In those days, as the number of the disciples(A) was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews(a) against the Hebraic Jews(b) that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.(B) 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.(c) 3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation,(C) full of the Spirit(D) 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,(E) a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.(F) 6 They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed(G) and laid their hands on(H) them.(d)

Footnotes:

a. Acts 6:1: Jews of Gk language and culture
b. Acts 6:1: Jews of Aram or Hb language and culture
c. Acts 6:2: Or to serve tables
d. Acts 6:6: The laying on of hands signified the prayer of blessing for the beginning of a new ministry.

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