Choosing of the Seven

Now [a]at this time while the (A)disciples were (B)increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the [b](C)Hellenistic Jews against the native (D)Hebrews, because their (E)widows were being overlooked in (F)the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the [c]congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, (G)brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, (H)full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will (I)devote ourselves to prayer and to the [d]ministry of the word.” The statement found approval with the whole [e]congregation; and they chose (J)Stephen, a man (K)full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and (L)Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and [f]Nicolas, a [g](M)proselyte from (N)Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after (O)praying, they (P)laid their hands on them.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 6:1 Lit in these days
  2. Acts 6:1 Jews who adopted the Gr language and much of Gr culture through acculturation
  3. Acts 6:2 Lit multitude
  4. Acts 6:4 Or service
  5. Acts 6:5 Lit multitude
  6. Acts 6:5 Gr Nikolaos
  7. Acts 6:5 I.e. a Gentile convert to Judaism

And in these days, the disciples multiplying, there came a murmuring of the Hellenists at the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily ministration,

and the twelve, having called near the multitude of the disciples, said, `It is not pleasing that we, having left the word of God, do minister at tables;

look out, therefore, brethren, seven men of you who are well testified of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this necessity,

and we to prayer, and to the ministration of the word, will give ourselves continually.'

And the thing was pleasing before all the multitude, and they did choose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,

whom they did set before the apostles, and they, having prayed, laid on them [their] hands.

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