Acts

The selection of Deacons

After being released from the council rather than being put to death, due to Gamaliel persuading the council to not be hasty in their action, grumbling rises up among the disciples over the distribution of daily needs. Rather than leaving the Word of God, the Apostles have the disciples select seven men who are placed in the position to oversee the need. These men had to have a good witness, be filled by the Holy Spirit, and be wise.

Paul later gives specific instruction on the requirements for a Deacon in 1 Timothy.

Acts 5:26 – 6:6

^5.26 Then departing, the captain with his officers lead them, not with force for they feared the people in order that they should be stoned. ^5.27 And after leading them to stand in the council, also the high priest questioned them ^5.28 saying, “Did we not instruct with instructing you to not teach upon the basis of this name? And behold you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and you determine to bring upon us the blood of this man.” ^5.29 And Peter and the apostles answered saying, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men” ^5.30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, Whom you took in hand. hung upon a cross. ^5.31 The God lifted up this Prince and Savior to His right hand to give a change of mind to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  ^5.32 And we are His witnesses concerning these utterances. And also the Holy Spirit, Whom the God gave to the ones obeying Him. ^5.33 And the ones hearing were cut to the quick and took counsel to slay them. ^5.34 But after raising, someone in the council, a Pharisees named Gamaliel, a law teacher honored by all the people, ordered to make the apostles go outside for a short time. ^5.35 Then he said facing them, “Men, Israelites, give attention to yourselves on the basis of these men, what you are about to perform? ^5.36 For facing that day when Theudas rose up saying to be himself someone, to whom was summoned a number of men about four hundred, which were slain and all as many as stood with him were scattered and came to nothing. ^5.37 After that one Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew people after himself. That one died and all as many as stood with him were scattered. ^5.38 And the thing now I say to you, withdraw from these men and permit them because if perhaps the determination or the work is out from men, it will be destroyed. ^5.39 But if it is out from God, you do not have the inherent ability to destroy it, least also you are found fighting God.” And they were persuaded by him and summoned the apostles after commanding them to be beaten not to speak upon the basis of the name of Jesus and they released them. ^5.41 Therefore indeed they departed rejoicing from before the council because upon the name of Jesus they were considered worthy to be dishonored. ^5.42 And every day in the Temple and according to a house, they did not cease to teach and gospelize Jesus the Christ.

6.1 And in these days, while multiplying the disciples, there came to be a grumbling from the Hellenistics facing the Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving. 6.2 And after the twelve called the multitude of disciples, they said, “It is not desirable for us to leave the Word of God to serve tables. 6.3 Therefore, visit the brethren, seven men out from you having a witness, filled with the Holy Spirit, whom we should appoint on the basis of this need. 6.4 But we will continue in prayer and in ministry of the Word.” 6.5 And the word was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas an Antioch proselyte, 6.6 whom they stood before the apostles and after praying they laid their hands on them.