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The first deacons are chosen

1-4 About this time, when the number of disciples was continually increasing, the Greeks complained that in the daily distribution of food the Hebrew widows were being given preferential treatment. The twelve summoned the whole body of the disciples together and said, “It is not right that we should have to neglect preaching the Word of God in order to look after the accounts. You, our brothers, must look round and pick out from your number seven men of good reputation who are both practical and spiritually-minded and we will put them in charge of this matter. Then we shall devote ourselves whole-heartedly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.”

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So the Twelve gathered all the disciples(A) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God(B) in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters,(C) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit(D) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them(E) and will give our attention to prayer(F) and the ministry of the word.”

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