The Year of the Lord’s Favor

The Choosing of the Seven

6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,^(A) the Hellenistic Jews^[a](B) among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows^(C) were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.^{(D) 2} 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. ³ 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 them^{(I) 4} and will give our attention to prayer^(J) and the ministry of the word.”

⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a](A) made his light shine in our hearts^(B) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(C)

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms^(B) with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(A) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(B) you, the riches^(C) of his glorious inheritance^(D) in his holy people,^{(E) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(F) is the same as the mighty strength^(G)

² fixing our eyes on Jesus,^(A) the pioneer^(B) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,^(C) scorning its shame,^(D) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.^(E)