6 ¹ DURING THIS PERIOD, when disciples were growing in number, there was disagreement between those of them who spoke Greek Literally: the Hellenists. and those who spoke the language of the Jews. Literally: the Hebrews. The former party complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 6 ² So the Twelve called the whole body of disciples together and said, 'It would be a grave mistake for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait at table. 6 ³ Therefore, friends, look out seven men of good reputation from your number, men full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to deal with these matters, 6 ⁴ while we devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.' 6 ⁵ This proposal proved acceptable to the whole body. They elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch, a former convert to Judaism. 6 ⁶ These they presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

6 ⁷ The word of God now spread more and more widely; the number of disciples in Jerusalem went on increasing rapidly, and very many of the priests adhered to the Faith.