³ Brothers and sisters,^(A) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit^(B) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them^(C)

⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(A) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^(B)

⁸ In the same way, deacons^[a](C) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^(D) and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^{(E) 10} They must first be tested;^(F) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ In the same way, the women^[b] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^(G) but temperate^(H) and trustworthy in everything.

¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife^(I) and must manage his children and his household well.^{(J) 13} Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(K) of the living God,^(L) the pillar and foundation of the truth.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(A) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(B) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(C) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(D) 18} Peacemakers^(E) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(F)

¹³ Choose some wise, understanding and respected men^(A) from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

¹⁰ and is well known for her good deeds,^(A) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,^(B) washing the feet^(C) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble^(D) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,^(A) “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work^(B) to which I have called them.”^{(C) 3} So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them^(D) and sent them off.^(E)

¹⁸ So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership,^[a](A) and lay your hand on him.^{(B) 19} Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him^(C) in their presence.^(D)

¹² Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone^(A)—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.^(B)

¹⁶ The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders^(A) who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.^(B) Have them come to the tent of meeting,^(C) that they may stand there with you. ¹⁷ I will come down and speak with you^(D) there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them.^(E) They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.^(F)

¹⁸ “Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves^(G) in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The Lord heard you when you wailed,^(H) “If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!”^(I) Now the Lord will give you meat,^(J) and you will eat it. ¹⁹ You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, ²⁰ but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it^(K)—because you have rejected the Lord,^(L) who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’”^(M)

²¹ But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men^(N) on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ ²² Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?”^(O)

²³ The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?^(P) Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.^(Q)”

²⁴ So Moses went out and told the people what the Lord had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. ²⁵ Then the Lord came down in the cloud^(R) and spoke with him,^(S) and he took some of the power of the Spirit^(T) that was on him and put it on the seventy elders.^(U) When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied^(V)—but did not do so again.