2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, a“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, aseek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this bbusiness;
4 but we awill give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, aa man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and bPhilip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and cNicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and awhen they had prayed, bthey laid hands on them.
7 Then athe word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many bof the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
8 And Stephen, full of1 faith and power, did great awonders and signs among the people.
Laying on of hands is a rite used to set people apart for special tasks. The laying on of hands is part of a formal ceremony by which the church commissions selected people into their new service. Paul advises that this should take place only after the entire matter is properly and prayerfully considered.
