Acts 6

1 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

But, in these days, the disciples, multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, in that, their widows, were being overlooked in the daily ministry.

2 So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.

And the Twelve, calling near the throng of the disciples, said—It doth not seem, right, that, we, forsaking the word of God, should be ministering unto tables.

3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them

But look out for yourselves, brethren, seven men from among you, who can be well-attested, full of Spirit and wisdom, —whom we will appoint over this need;

4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

But, we, unto prayer and unto the ministry of the word, will give constant attention.

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

And the word was pleasing in the sight of all the throng; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicholaus, a proselyte of Antioch;

6 They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Whom they set before the Apostles, and, praying, they laid upon them their hands.

7 So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

And, the word of God, went on growing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem continued to multiply exceedingly; a great multitude of the priests also, were becoming obedient unto the faith.

8 Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

Now, Stephen, full of favour and power, began to do great wonders and signs among the people.

9 But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They began to argue with Stephen,

But there rose up certain of those out of the synagogue which is called [the synagogue] of them of Libertium and Cyrene and Alexandria, and certain of them from Cilicia and Asia, —disputing with Stephen;

10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking,

11 Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”

Then, they set on men who were saying—We have heard him speaking profane things against Moses and God.

12 So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,

And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes; and, coming upon him, they caught him away, and led him into the high-council.

13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.

And they set up false witnesses, who said—This man, ceaseth not speaking things against this holy place and the law;

14 For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

For we have heard him saying—This Jesus the Nazarene, will overthrow this place, and will change the customs which, Moses, delivered unto us.

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

And, looking steadfastly at him, all they who were sitting in the high-council, saw his face, as if the face of a messenger;