Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

Ministers (or deacons) are ordained in the congregation to do service in necessary things of the body so that the apostles may attend only to the word of God. Stephen is accused.

6 In those days, as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ² Then the twelve called all of the disciples together and said, It is not right that we should leave the word of God and serve at the tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, choose from among you seven men of good reputation, and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint to this needful business. ⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

⁵ And this proposal pleased the whole assembly. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert from Antioch. ⁶ These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷ And the word of God advanced, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests accepted the faith.