1 The Apostles, 3 appoint the office of Deaconship, 5 to seven chosen men: 8 Of whom Stephen, full of faith, is one:  12 He is taken, 13 and accused as a transgressor of Moses’ Law.

And [a]in those days, as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a murmuring of the [b]Grecians towards the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the [c]daily ministering.

[d]Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together, and said, It is not [e]meet that we should leave the word of God to serve the [f]tables.

[g]Wherefore brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, and full of the holy Ghost, and of wisdom, which we may appoint to this business.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 6:1 When Satan has assailed the Church without, and that to small purpose and in vain, he assaileth it within, with civil dissension and strife betwixt themselves: but the Apostles take occasion thereby to set order in the Church.
  2. Acts 6:1 Of their parts which of Grecians became religious Jews.
  3. Acts 6:1 In the bestowing of alms according to their necessity.
  4. Acts 6:2 The office of preaching the word and dispensing the goods of the Church, are different one from another, and not rashly to be joined together, as the Apostles do here institute: And the Apostles do not choose so much as the Deacons without the consent of the Church.
  5. Acts 6:2 It is such a matter, as we may in no wise accept of it.
  6. Acts 6:2 Banquets though by the name of tables, other offices are also meant, which are annexed to it, such as pertain to the care of the poor.
  7. Acts 6:3 In choosing of Deacons (and much more of Ministers) there must be examination both of their learning and manners of life.

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