1 N ow in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Now 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).

2 A nd the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

So 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.

3 L ook ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Therefore 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.

4 B ut we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.

But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

5 A nd the saying 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 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.

6 w hom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

These they presented to the apostles, who after prayer laid their hands on them.

7 A nd the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

And 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.

8 A nd Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.

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

9 B ut there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

However, 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.

10 A nd they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

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

11 T hen they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

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

12 A nd they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,

they 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).

13 a nd set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

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

14 f or we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us.

For 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.

15 A nd all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Then 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.