1 N ow about this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews) against the Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked and neglected in the daily ministration (distribution of relief).

En ce temps-là, le nombre des disciples augmentant, les Hellénistes murmurèrent contre les Hébreux, parce que leurs veuves étaient négligées dans la distribution qui se faisait chaque jour.

2 S o the Twelve convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not seemly or desirable or right that we should have to give up or neglect the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.

Les douze convoquèrent la multitude des disciples, et dirent: Il n'est pas convenable que nous laissions la parole de Dieu pour servir aux tables.

3 T herefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty.

C'est pourquoi, frères, choisissez parmi vous sept hommes, de qui l'on rende un bon témoignage, qui soient pleins d'Esprit Saint et de sagesse, et que nous chargerons de cet emploi.

4 B ut we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Et nous, nous continuerons à nous appliquer à la prière et au ministère de la parole.

5 A nd the suggestion pleased the whole assembly, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith (a strong and welcome belief that Jesus is the Messiah) and full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte (convert) from Antioch.

Cette proposition plut à toute l'assemblée. Ils élurent Étienne, homme plein de foi et d'Esprit Saint, Philippe, Prochore, Nicanor, Timon, Parménas, et Nicolas, prosélyte d'Antioche.

6 T hese they presented to the apostles, who after prayer laid their hands on them.

Ils les présentèrent aux apôtres, qui, après avoir prié, leur imposèrent les mains.

7 A nd the message of God kept on spreading, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith.

La parole de Dieu se répandait de plus en plus, le nombre des disciples augmentait beaucoup à Jérusalem, et une grande foule de sacrificateurs obéissaient à la foi.

8 N ow Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing and favor) and power (strength and ability) worked great wonders and signs (miracles) among the people.

Étienne, plein de grâce et de puissance, faisait des prodiges et de grands miracles parmi le peuple.

9 H owever, some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (freed Jewish slaves), as it was called, and of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose to debate and dispute with Stephen.

Quelques membres de la synagogue dite des Affranchis, de celle des Cyrénéens et de celle des Alexandrins, avec des Juifs de Cilicie et d'Asie, se mirent à discuter avec lui;

10 B ut they were not able to resist the intelligence and the wisdom and the Spirit with which and by Whom he spoke.

mais ils ne pouvaient résister à sa sagesse et à l'Esprit par lequel il parlait.

11 S o they instigated and instructed men to say, We have heard this man speak, using slanderous and abusive and blasphemous language against Moses and God.

Alors ils subornèrent des hommes qui dirent: Nous l'avons entendu proférer des paroles blasphématoires contre Moïse et contre Dieu.

12 t hey incited the people as well as the elders and the scribes, and they came upon Stephen and arrested him and took him before the council (Sanhedrin).

Ils émurent le peuple, les anciens et les scribes, et, se jetant sur lui, ils le saisirent, et l'emmenèrent au sanhédrin.

13 A nd they brought forward false witnesses who asserted, This man never stops making statements against this sacred place and the Law;

Ils produisirent de faux témoins, qui dirent: Cet homme ne cesse de proférer des paroles contre le lieu saint et contre la loi;

14 F or we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down and destroy this place, and will alter the institutions and usages which Moses transmitted to us.

car nous l'avons entendu dire que Jésus, ce Nazaréen, détruira ce lieu, et changera les coutumes que Moïse nous a données.

15 T hen all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin), as they gazed intently at Stephen, saw that his face had the appearance of the face of an angel.

Tous ceux qui siégeaient au sanhédrin ayant fixé les regards sur Étienne, son visage leur parut comme celui d'un ange.