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 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 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;

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

Therefore, select from amongst you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

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

But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in 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;

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

whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on 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.

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

Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs amongst 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 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 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke.

They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

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

Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

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.

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

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 shall destroy this place, and shall change its customs, which Moses delivered to us.

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

All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.