⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,^{(A) 5} so in Christ we, though many, form one body,^(B) and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts,^(C) according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,^(D) then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith;^{(E) 7} if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;^{(F) 8} if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;^(G) if it is giving, then give generously;^(H) if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

⁹ to another faith^(A) by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing^(B) by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers,^(C) to another prophecy,^(D) to another distinguishing between spirits,^(E) to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a](F) and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^{[b] 11} All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,^(G) and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ,^(A) and each one of you is a part of it.^(B)

²⁸ And God has placed in the church^(A) first of all apostles,^(B) second prophets,^(C) third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing,^(D) of helping, of guidance,^(E) and of different kinds of tongues.^(F)

⁸ This is why it^[a] says:

¹¹ So Christ himself gave^(A) the apostles,^(B) the prophets,^(C) the evangelists,^(D) the pastors and teachers,^{(E) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(F) may be built up^{(G) 13} until we all reach unity^(H) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(I) and become mature,^(J) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(K)

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants,^(L) tossed back and forth by the waves,^(M) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.^{(N) 15} Instead, speaking the truth in love,^(O) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,^(P) that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows^(Q) and builds itself up^(R) in love,^(S) as each part does its work.

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.”

⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,^(K) a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;^(L) also Philip,^(M) Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶ They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed^(N) and laid their hands on them.^(O)

⁷ So the word of God spread.^(P) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^(Q) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^(C) faithful to his wife,^(D) temperate,^(E) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^(F) able to teach,^{(G) 3} not given to drunkenness,^(H) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,^(I) not a lover of money.^{(J) 4} He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^[a] respect.^{(K) 5} (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^{(L) 6} He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(M) and fall under the same judgment^(N) as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(O) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^(P)

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

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

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

¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(A) as faithful^(B) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.