Overview
Nicolas was a believer from Antioch chosen as one of the first deacons in the Jerusalem church. Along with six others, he was selected by the apostles to oversee the daily distribution of food and resources to widows in the growing congregation, ensuring no one was neglected regardless of their background or language.
Key Scriptures
"And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty.'" (Acts 6:2-3, ESV)
"And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch." (Acts 6:5, ESV)
"These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them." (Acts 6:6, ESV)
Application
Serving others in practical ways with integrity and spiritual maturity is essential ministry that deserves the same respect as teaching God's Word.