Acts 6:1-7

GOD’S WORD Translation

The Disciples Choose Seven Men to Help the Apostles

6 At that time, as the number of disciples grew, Greek-speaking Jews complained about the Hebrew-speaking Jews. The Greek-speaking Jews claimed that the widows among them were neglected every day when food and other assistance was distributed.

² The twelve apostles called all the disciples together and told them, “It’s not right for us to give up God’s word in order to distribute food. ³ So, brothers and sisters, choose seven men whom the people know are spiritually wise. We will put them in charge of this problem. ⁴ However, we will devote ourselves to praying and to serving in ways that are related to the word.”

⁵ The suggestion pleased the whole group. So they chose Stephen, who was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, who had converted to Judaism in the city of Antioch. ⁶ The disciples had these men stand in front of the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on these seven men.

⁷ God’s word continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew very large. A large number of priests accepted the faith.