1. A lot of people were now becoming followers of the Lord. But some of the ones who spoke Greek started complaining about the ones who spoke Aramaic. They complained that the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day.
2. The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, “We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables.
3. My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things.
4. We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching.”
5. This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshipped with the Jewish people in Antioch.
6. These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work.