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Acts 6:1-7
/RSS FeedActs 6:1-7
1 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.
3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them
4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
6 They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. -
1 Timothy 5:1-16
/RSS Feed1 Timothy 5:1-16
1 Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,
2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
3 Honor the widows who are truly widows.
4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
5 The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.
6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.
7 Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.
8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,
10 and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
11 But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,
12 and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith.
13 At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
16 If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.
