Acts 6:1-7 - The First Seven Deacons Appointed
1 AND in those days the disciples being multiplied, there was a complaint of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 And the twelve calling the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God to serve tables. 3 Look out therefore, brothers, from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we may set over this business; 4 but we will attend continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word. 5 And the proposition pleased all the multitude, and they elected 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, 6 and set them before the Apostles; and they having prayed imposed hands on them.
7 And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples was greatly multiplied at Jerusalem, and a great multitude of the priests obeyed the faith.