1. 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 Nic o laus, 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. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew very large. A large number of priests accepted the faith.