² And so the Twelve called together the entire community of disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, we direct you to select from among you seven^[a] men of good reputation, men filled with the Spirit and with wisdom, to whom we may assign this task. ⁴ We will then be able to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”