"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."
The widows and daily ministration were being neglected as the apostles preached the gospel. The spirit directed them to call seven to tend to this business of the church. They were set apart to their callings by the laying on of hands, by those in authority. Just like we do today.
Now, I wonder were these seven called Seventies in the primitive church or were they a Presiding Bishopric? Today we have seven presidents of the Seventies, but only three in the presiding bishopric. The reason I wonder is because the charge over widows seems to fit the role of a bishop. The footnote for the word business does refer to the office of a bishop. Then again I am not well versed on the specific duties of the Seventy. I have more reading to do.
"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
(Luke 10:1, 17)
Day 1597
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