Acts 6

1 And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

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.

2 Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

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.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

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

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

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

5 And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.

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.

6 These they set before the apostles; and they praying, imposed hands upon them.

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

7 And the word of the Lord increased; and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly: a great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.

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.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people.

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

9 Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

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,

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke.

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

11 Then they suborned men to say, they had heard him speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.

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

12 And they stirred up the people, and the ancients, and the scribes; and running together, they took him, and brought him to the council.

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

13 And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man ceaseth not to speak words against the holy place and the law.

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

14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the traditions which Moses delivered unto us.

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

15 And all that sat in the council, looking on him, saw his face as if it had been the face of an angel.

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