The Choosing of the Seven
As the disciples increase, Greek-speaking Jews complain that their widows are being overlooked in the daily distribution. The Twelve gather the disciples and say that seven qualified men should take on this responsibility so the apostles can remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word.
I1n those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them 4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal pleases the whole gathering, and seven men are chosen, including Stephen and Philip. The apostles pray, lay their hands on them, and the chapter ends with the word spreading, disciples multiplying in Jerusalem, and many priests becoming obedient to the faith.
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.