Choosing of the Seven

6 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. ² 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. ³ 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. ⁴ But we will ^(I)devote ourselves to prayer and to the ^[d]ministry of the word.” ⁵ 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. ⁶ And these they brought before the apostles; and after ^(O)praying, they ^(P)laid their hands on them.

^7 (Q)The word of God kept on spreading; and ^(R)the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to ^(S)the faith.

^8 (A)Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not ^[a]double-tongued, ^[b](B)or addicted to much wine ^[c](C)or fond of sordid gain, ^9 (D)but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ^10 (E)These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. ^11 [d]Women must likewise be dignified, ^(F)not malicious gossips, but ^(G)temperate, faithful in all things. ^12 (H)Deacons must be ^(I)husbands of only one wife, and ^[e](J)good managers of their children and their own households. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons ^(K)obtain for themselves a ^[f]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.