Acts 6

1 Now, in these days, the number of the disciples being multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists that is, Jews who used the Greek language against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations.

Now in these days while the number of the disciples was multiplying, the Grecian Jews began to murmur against the Hebrews, because their widows were habitually overlooked in the distribution of alms.

2 And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples together, said, It is by no means agreeable, that we should leave the word of God to attend tables;

Then the Twelve called the general body of the disciples together, and said to them. "It is not fitting for us to leave off preaching the Word of God, and minister at tables.

3 therefore, brethren, look out from among yourselves seven men of an attested character, full of spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this business;

"So, brothers, find from among your own number seven men of good reputation who are full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them over this business.

4 we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

"But we will give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."

5 And the speech was pleasing to all the multitude, and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte of Antioch;

This plan commended itself to the whole body, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.

6 whom they presented before the Apostles; and they, having prayed, laid hands on them.

These men they presented to the apostles who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.

7 And the word of God grew; and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great multitude of the priests became obedient to the faith.

And the word of the Lord continued to spread; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was increasing exceedingly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought many miracles, and great signs among the people.

Meanwhile Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.

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

But certain men from the so-called "Synagogue of the Freedmen" and certain Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, Cilicians, and men from Roman Asia, started to dispute with Stephen,

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke.

but were unable to withstand the wisdom and spirit with which he used to speak.

11 Then they suborned men to say, We heard him speak reproachful words against Moses, and against God.

Then they instigated some to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemy against Moses and against God;" and in this way they excited the people.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and setting upon him, they dragged him away with them, and brought him to the Sanhedrim.

The elders and the scribes rushed upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the Sanhedrin.

13 And they set up false witnesses, who said, This man is incessantly speaking against this holy place, and the law:

They also set up false witnesses who testified. "This fellow is continually talking against the 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 its customs, which Moses delivered to us.

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

15 And all that sat in the Sanhedrim, fixing their eyes upon him, saw his countenance like the countenance of an angel.

Then all who were sitting in the council at once fixed their eyes upon him, and saw his face like the face of an angel.