Luke the Evangelist · The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001
Summary
Luke’s account of the appointment of the seven in Jerusalem. When the daily distribution to widows broke down, the apostles directed the church to choose men “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” to take over that work so they could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. Reformed churches have traditionally read this passage as the origin of the diaconate, and it supplies the basic division between the ministry of the word and the ministry of mercy.
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”" And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Browse by Topic · Browse by Author
Feedback, questions, or recommended resources?
More from Tim Hopper: readmachen.com · reformedconfessions.com · ulsterworldly.com
Maintained since 2015 · last updated 2026
Copyright © 2026
Header photo of Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston, South Carolina.