ACTS 6 NLT
1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied,
there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained
about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being
discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all
the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word
of God, not running a food program.
3 And so, brothers, select seven men who
are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them
this responsibility.
4 Then we apostles can spend our time in
prayer and teaching the word.”
5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose
the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip,
Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert
to the Jewish faith).
6 These seven were presented to the
apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
7 So God’s message continued to spread.
The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish
priests were converted, too.
