1 Timothy
3:8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in
much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them
serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not
malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his
children and his household well.
13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance
in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 6
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be
right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the
Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
4 and will give our attention to prayer and 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; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and
Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands
on them.
