6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a complaint by the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. |
6:2 And after calling the multitude of disciples to them, the twelve said, "It is not proper for us to leave the Word of God in order to wait on tables. |
6:3 Therefore, brethren, search out from among yourselves seven men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; |
6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word." |
6:5 And this declaration was pleasing to all the multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; and Philip; and Prochorus; and Nicanor; and Timon; and Parmenas; and Nicolas, who was a proselyte of Antioch. |
6:6 And they set them before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. |
6:7 And the Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly, and a great multitude of the priests were obedient to the faith. |
6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, worked wonders and great signs among the people. |
6:9 Then certain arose among those of the synagogue who were called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia; and they were disputing with Stephen. |
6:10 But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. |
6:11 Then they suborned men, who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." |
6:12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes; and they came and seized him, and brought him into the Sanhedrin. |
6:13 Then they set up false witnesses, who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; |
6:14 For we heard him saying that this Jesus, the Nazarean, will destroy this place, and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us." |
6:15 And all those who sat in the Sanhedrin, looking intently at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. |