Choice of the Seven

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The Choice of the Seven refers to an episode in the life of Twelve Apostles and the early Church, as narrated in the Acts of Apostles (6:1-7).

< See Seven Deacons -- Twelve Apostles -- Stephen -- Philip the Evangelist >

Overview

According to the Acts of Apostles, in the earliest Christian community of Jerusalem the "Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food." The Twelve Apostles agreed and seven men were appointed. They were all Hellenistic Jews with Greek names; there were no Gentiles among them (only a proselyte). Stephen is mentioned first as their leader. Philip the Evangelist is second; he would also play a relevant role in the early Christian movement.

The Choice of the Seven in ancient sources

Acts of Apostles

Acts 6:1-7 (NRSV) -- [1] Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 And the Twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." 5 What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.