The Choosing of the Seven

During a period when the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing, a complaint was raised by the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1). In response, the twelve apostles summoned the full group of disciples and stated that it was not desirable for them to neglect the preaching of the word of God in order to serve tables. They instructed the community to select seven men from among themselves who were of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, to be appointed to this task (Acts 6:2-3). The text does not say how the specific criteria were evaluated by the group.

The proposal was accepted by the entire assembly. The group chose Stephen, a man described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, who was a proselyte from Antioch (Acts 6:5). These seven individuals were presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands upon them to officially delegate the responsibility. The text does not say what specific logistical methods were used for the distribution after their appointment or how the food was sourced.

Following these events, the word of God continued to spread and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly (Acts 6:7). The text also records that a large group of priests became obedient to the faith during this time in approximately 33 AD. While the apostles focused on prayer and the ministry of the word, the seven men managed the business of the daily serving (Acts 6:4-6). The text does not say whether the seven men received any specific titles during the ceremony or if their roles involved other administrative duties beyond the distribution.