The Seven Are Chosen

Acts 6:1–7:60

The Big Idea

God’s people can serve together, care for others, and use wisdom to meet needs in the church.

The Bible Story

Stephen’s Faithful Witness

Acts 6:1–7 tells how the growing church faced a need: some widows were not receiving their share in the daily distribution. The Twelve apostles gathered the disciples and explained that they must continue giving themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word while the community addressed this need. The whole community chose seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom. Their names were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. The apostles prayed and laid their hands on them. Stephen was recognized for service within the church; he was not one of the apostles. Following this event, the word of God increased, the number of disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and many priests became obedient to the faith.

Themes

Care for widows and fair distribution Faithful service Faithfulness under persecution Forgiveness toward enemies God’s presence and purposes across Israel’s history Resistance to God’s messengers Wisdom and the Holy Spirit Witness to Jesus

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

The whole community gathers as the apostles pray and lay hands on Stephen and the six other named servants. Show the seven standing distinctly before the praying community, with Stephen clearly identifiable but not presented as an apostle.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why did the church choose seven men to serve?
How can you help care for others?],

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to discuss shared service, fairness, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s work in God’s people. Invite children to name practical ways they can help at church, home, or school. Remind older children that Stephen was chosen to serve and was not an apostle.

Source note