And God has appointed those in the church to be first of all apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers. then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, users of various kinds of "tongues."

Now in these days while the number of the disciples was multiplying, the Grecian Jews began to murmur against the Hebrews, because their widows were habitually overlooked in the distribution of alms. Then the Twelve called the general body of the disciples together, and said to them. "It is not fitting for us to leave off preaching the Word of God, and minister at tables. read more. "So, brothers, find from among your own number seven men of good reputation who are full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them over this business. "But we will give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word." This plan commended itself to the whole body, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. These men they presented to the apostles who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them. And the word of the Lord continued to spread; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was increasing exceedingly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Meanwhile Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. But certain men from the so-called "Synagogue of the Freedmen" and certain Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, Cilicians, and men from Roman Asia, started to dispute with Stephen, but were unable to withstand the wisdom and spirit with which he used to speak.

Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and began to preach Christ there. The crowd with one accord were giving heed to what he said, when they heard and saw the signs that he did. read more. For with a loud cry unclean spirits would come out of many possessed by them, and many that were palsied and lame were healed. There began to be great joy in that city. Now for some time a man named Simon had been practicing sorcery in that city, and had amazed the people of Samaria. He gave himself out to be some great person. Many from all classes would give heed to him, declaring, "This man is the Power of God, known as the Great Power." They were giving heed to him because, for a long time, he had amazed them with his sorceries. But when they believed Philip, who was preaching glad tidings about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they began to be baptized, both men and women. And Simon himself also believed, and after his baptism he remained with Philip, and was full of amazement as he beheld the signs and striking miracles which were performed. The apostle at Jerusalem, when they heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, sent to them Peter and John. Who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, For he had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then the apostles laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Let the teacher give himself to his teaching; and he who exhorts others to his exhortation. He who gives, let him do it in singleness of mind. He who rules, let him rule with diligence; and he who shows mercy must be cheerful.

And God has appointed those in the church to be first of all apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers. then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, users of various kinds of "tongues."

And though I sell all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it avails me nothing.

Let the elders who fill their offices well, be held worthy of twofold honor; especially those who have the task of preaching and teaching.

Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who must give account; that they may do thus with joy and not with lamentation, for this would be unprofitable to you.

Salute all your leaders and the saints. The brothers from Italy send you greeting.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church to come to him;

Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, and be shepherds of the church of God which he has purchased with his own blood.

"In all things I have set you an example, how that so toiling, you ought to help the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

"In all things I have set you an example, how that so toiling, you ought to help the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

After hauling it aboard, they used ropes to undergird the ship, and since they were fearful lest they should be driven upon the Syrtes, they lowered the gear and lay to.

And God has appointed those in the church to be first of all apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers. then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, users of various kinds of "tongues."