Chapter 22—The Seven Deacons
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multi-
plied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews,
because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” These
Grecians were residents of other countries, where the Greek language
was spoken. By far the larger number of converts were Jews who
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spoke Hebrew; but these had lived in the Roman Empire, and spoke
only Greek. Murmurings began to rise among them that the Grecian
widows were not so liberally supplied as the needy among the He-
brews. Any partiality of this kind would have been grievous to God;
and prompt measures were taken to restore peace and harmony to the
believers.
The Holy Spirit suggested a method whereby the apostles might be
relieved from the task of apportioning to the poor, and similar burdens,
so that they could be left free to preach Christ. “Then the twelve called
the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason
that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore,
brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of
the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry
of the word.”
The church accordingly selected seven men full of faith and the
wisdom of the Spirit of God, to attend to the business pertaining to the
cause. Stephen was chosen first; he was a Jew by birth and religion, but
spoke the Greek language, and was conversant with the customs and
manners of the Greeks. He was therefore considered the most proper
person to stand at the head, and have supervision of the disbursement
of the funds appropriated to the widows, orphans, and the worthy
poor. This selection met the minds of all, and the dissatisfaction and
murmuring were quieted.
The seven chosen men were solemnly set apart for their duties by
prayer and the laying on of hands. Those who were thus ordained,
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were not thereby excluded from teaching the faith. On the contrary, it
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