1 N ow 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.

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

2 T he twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

3 T herefore 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.

Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

4 B ut we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”

but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 T hese 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;

And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

6 w hom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

7 T he 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.

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

8 S tephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

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

9 B ut 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.

Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

10 T hey weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

And they were not able to resist 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 God.”

Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

12 T hey stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,

And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.

13 a nd set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

14 F or we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

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

And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.