6
1 Now
in those days,
when the number
of the disciples
was multiplying, a
complaint arose
from the Hellenists
against the
Hebrews, because
their widows were
neglected in the
daily service.
2 The
twelve summoned
the multitude of
the disciples and
said, “It is
not appropriate for
us to forsake the
word of God
and serve tables.
3 Therefore,
select from among
you, brothers, seven
men of good
report, full of
the Holy Spirit
and of wisdom,
whom we may
appoint over this
business.
4 But
we will
continue steadfastly in
prayer and in
the ministry of
the word.”
5 These
words pleased the
whole multitude.
They chose Stephen,
a man full
of faith and
of the Holy
Spirit, Philip,
Prochorus, Nicanor,
Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicolaus, a
proselyte of Antioch,
6 whom
they set before
the apostles. When
they had prayed,
they laid their
hands on them.
7 The
word of God
increased and the
number of the
disciples greatly
multiplied in
Jerusalem. A great
company of the
priests were
obedient to the
faith.
8 Stephen,
full of faith and
power, performed
great wonders and
signs among the
people.
9 But
some of those
who were of
the synagogue
called “The
Libertines”, and
of the Cyrenians,
of the Alexandrians,
and of those
of Cilicia and
Asia arose, disputing
with Stephen.
10 They weren’t able
to withstand the
wisdom and the
Spirit by which
he spoke.
11 Then
they secretly
induced men to
say, “We have heard
him speak blasphemous
words against
Moses and God.”
12 They
stirred up the
people, the elders,
and the scribes,
and came against
him and seized
him, then brought
him in to
the council,
13 and
set up false
witnesses who said,
“This man
never stops speaking blasphemous
words against
this holy place
and the law.
14 For
we have heard him
say that this
Jesus of Nazareth
will destroy this
place, and
will change the
customs which
Moses delivered to
us.”
15 All
who sat in
the council, fastening
their eyes on him,
saw his face
like it was
the face of
an angel.