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

¹ In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ² And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said: It is not right that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, select from among yourselves seven men, of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business: ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. ⁵ And the speech pleased the whole multitude; 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 Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

⁷ And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great multitude of the priests became obedient to the faith.