< Acts 6 >
1 Now in those days, as the number of disciples increased, there rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
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 So the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, It is not seemly that we should leave the word of God and attend at tables.
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.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look out from among you seven men of good character, full of the holy Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this matter:
Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Rukha and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 but 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 advice pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch.
And these words pleased the whole gathering. They chose Astapanos, a man full of faith and of the Rukha d'Qudsha, Philipus, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;
6 These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.
whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great number of the priests became obedient to the faith.
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Urishlim; and a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8 Now Stephen being full of grace and power, wrought miracles and great signs among the people.
Astapanos, full of grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
9 But there rose up some of the synagogue, which is called that of the libertines, and some of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia, and Asia, to dispute 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 Astapanos.
10 and they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake.
They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Rukha by which he spoke.
11 Then they suborned men to say, we heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.
Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Mushe and God."
12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, and forced him along with them, and brought him to the council:
They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,
13 and they set up false witnesses; who said, This man is continually speaking blasphemous words 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 change the rites which Moses delivered to us.
For we have heard him say that this Yeshua the Natsraya will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Mushe delivered to us."
15 (And all that were sitting in the council, looking stedfastly at him, saw his face like the face 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.