Acts 6:1-6

Living Bible

6 But with the believers multiplying rapidly, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke only Greek complained that their widows were being discriminated against, that they were not being given as much food in the daily distribution as the widows who spoke Hebrew. ² So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers.

“We should spend our time preaching, not administering a feeding program,” they said. ³ “Now look around among yourselves, dear brothers, and select seven men, wise and full of the Holy Spirit, who are well thought of by everyone; and we will put them in charge of this business. ⁴ Then we can spend our time in prayer, preaching, and teaching.”

⁵ This sounded reasonable to the whole assembly, and they elected the following: Stephen (a man unusually full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolaus of Antioch (a Gentile convert to the Jewish faith, who had become a Christian).

⁶ These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them and laid their hands on them in blessing.