Acts 6

1 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.

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 So the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve 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 select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint 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 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

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

5 And these words pleased the whole gathering. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, 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 set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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

7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a large group of the priests were 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 Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

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

9 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.

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

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

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and 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 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,

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

13 and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words 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 the Nazorean will destroy this place, and will change the 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 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face 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.