Acts 6:1-7 - The First Seven Deacons Appointed

¹ During these days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists began to complain against the Hebrews, on the ground that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ² So the twelve summoned the main body of the disciples and said: "It is not desirable that we should drop preaching the word of God and attend to meals. ³ Brothers, look out seven of your own number, men of good reputation who are full of the Spirit and of wisdom. We will appoint them to this duty, ⁴ but we will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." ⁵ This plan commended itself to the whole body, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nikolaos a proselyte from Antioch; ⁶ these men they presented to the apostles, who, after prayer, laid their hands upon them.

⁷ And the word of God spread; the number of the disciples in Jerusalem greatly increased, and a host of priests became obedient to the faith.