1 N ow at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.

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 S o the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve 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 T herefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

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 B ut we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

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

5 T he statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from 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 A nd these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

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

7 T he word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

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

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

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

9 B ut some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued 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 B ut they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

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

11 T hen they secretly induced men to say, “We have 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 Moses and God.”

12 A nd they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before 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 T hey put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks 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 f or we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to 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 A nd fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council 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.