Acts 6

1 But, in these days, the disciples, multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, in that, their widows, were being overlooked in the daily ministry.

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, calling near the throng of the disciples, said—It doth not seem, right, that, we, forsaking the word of God, should be ministering unto 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 But look out for yourselves, brethren, seven men from among you, who can be well-attested, full of Spirit and wisdom, —whom we will appoint over this need;

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

4 But, we, unto prayer and unto the ministry of the word, will give constant attention.

But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”

5 And the word was pleasing in the sight of all the throng; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicholaus, 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 set before the Apostles, and, praying, they laid upon them their hands.

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

7 And, the word of God, went on growing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem continued to multiply exceedingly; a great multitude of the priests also, were becoming obedient unto 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 Now, Stephen, full of favour and power, began to do great wonders and signs among the people.

Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

9 But there rose up certain of those out of the synagogue which is called [the synagogue] of them of Libertium and Cyrene and Alexandria, and certain of them from 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 could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking,

They were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then, they set on men who were saying—We have heard him speaking profane things against Moses and 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, coming upon him, they caught him away, and led him into the high-council.

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, ceaseth not speaking things 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 saying—This Jesus the Nazarene, will overthrow this place, and will change the customs which, Moses, delivered unto 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, looking steadfastly at him, all they who were sitting in the high-council, saw his face, as if the face of a messenger;

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