That the first deacons were chosen not by the apostles, but by a congregation of the disciples, that is, of Christian men of all sorts, is manifest out of Acts 6, where we read that the “Twelve,” after the number of disciples was multiplied, called them together, and having told them that it was not fit that the apostles should leave the word of God and serve tables, said unto them (verse 3), “Brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Here it is manifest, that though the apostles declared them elected; yet the congregation chose them; which also (verse 5) is more expressly said, where it is written, that “the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose seven,” etc.