The seven who serve at table
Acts 6:1-7
The community was growing, and some widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The apostles asked them to choose seven men filled with the Holy Spirit for this service. Among them were Stephen and Philip. Acts 6:1-7
The story, in plain words
In those days the number of disciples was growing. Acts 6:1
Some complained, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1
They were the Greek-speaking Jewish disciples, and they complained against the Hebrew-speaking ones. Acts 6:1
The twelve apostles called all the disciples together. Acts 6:2 They told them it was not right for the apostles to stop preaching the word of God to serve at…
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See the mapWhat the Bible says
Acts 6:1-7
1And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them. 7And the word of the Lord increased; and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly: a great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
To talk about together
- The apostles did not ignore the complaint: they looked for a solution. What do we do when someone feels forgotten?
- In a family, each person serves in a different way. What is yours?
- For the child: who could you help at home this week?