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.

And in those days, when the disciples had become numerous, the Grecian disciples murmured against the Hebrew, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration to the needy.

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 legates convoked the whole company of the disciples, and said to them: It is not proper, that we should neglect the word of God, and serve 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

Therefore brethren, search out, and elect from among you, seven men of whom there is good testimony, men full of the Spirit of the Lord, and of wisdom; that we may place them over this business:

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

and we will continue in prayer, and in the ministration of the word.

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 this proposal was acceptable before all the people. And they elected Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas an Antiochian proselyte.

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

These stood before the legates; and when they had prayed, they laid the hand on them.

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 increased, and the number of disciples was enlarged at Jerusalem greatly; and many people from among the Jews, were obedient to the faith.

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

And Stephen was full of grace and energy; and he wrought signs and prodigies 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,

And there rose up some of the synagogue which is called that of the freed men, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and persons from Cilicia and from Asia; and they disputed 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 that spoke by him.

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

Then they sent men, and instructed them to say: We have heard him speak words of blasphemy, against Moses and against 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 excited the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes; and they came, and rose upon him, and seized him, and carried him into the midst of the 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 to utter words contrary to the law, and against this holy place.

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 say, that this Jesus the Nazarean will destroy this place, and will change the rites which Moses delivered to you.

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 all they who were sitting in the council looked upon him, and they beheld his face, as the face of an angel.