Seven Chosen to Serve
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Now in those days, a when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the b Hellenists, because their widows were neglected c in the daily distribution.
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Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, d "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
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"Therefore, brethren, e seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this f business;
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"but we g will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
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And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, h a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and i Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and j Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
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whom they set before the apostles; and k when they had prayed, l they laid hands on them.
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Then m the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many n of the priests were obedient to the faith.
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Cross References
Acts 2:41
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 4:4
However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
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Cross References
Acts 9:29
And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
Acts 11:20
But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
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Cross References
Acts 4:35
And laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Acts 11:29
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
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Cross References
Exodus 18:17
So Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good.
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:13
'Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.'
1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1 Timothy 3:8 - 13
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money.
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Cross References
Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
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Cross References
Acts 6:3
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
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Cross References
Acts 8:5
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Acts 8:26
Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert.
Acts 21:8
On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
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Cross References
Revelation 2:6
But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Revelation 2:15
Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
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Cross References
Acts 1:24
And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
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Cross References
Numbers 8:10
So you shall bring the Levites before the LORD,...
Numbers 27:18
And the LORD said to Moses: "Take Joshua the so...
Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spiri...
Mark 5:23
And begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little da...
Acts 8:17
Then they laid hands on them, and they received...
Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way and entered the house;...
Acts 13:3
Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands ...
Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy ...
1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which w...
2 Timothy 1:6
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of G...
Hebrews 6:2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of ha...
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Cross References
Acts 12:24
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Colossians 1:6
Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
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Cross References
John 12:42
Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.