Acts 6:3 - Forerunner Commentary

Acts 6:3

Seven Chosen to Serve

1 Now in those days, ^awhen the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the ^bHellenists, because their widows were neglected ^cin the daily distribution.

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

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

4 but we ^awill give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, ^aa man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and ^bPhilip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and ^cNicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

6 whom they set before the apostles; and ^awhen they had prayed, ^bthey laid hands on them.

7 Then ^athe word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many ^bof the priests were obedient to the faith.

Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

8 And Stephen, full of¹ faith and power, did great ^awonders and signs among the people.

9 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 And ^athey were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

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

12 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 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak¹ blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

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

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

Verse Comparison: Acts 6:3

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American Standard Version
Look 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.

Amplified® Bible
Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good {and} attested character {and} repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business {and} duty.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things.

Darby English Version
Look out therefore, brethren, from among yourselves seven men, well reported of, full of [the] [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we will establish over this business:

Good News Bible
So then, friends, choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this matter.

International Standard Version
Therefore, brothers, appoint seven men among you who have a good reputation, who are full of the Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this work.

King James Version
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

New American Standard Bible
"Therefore, 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.

New International Version
Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

New King James Version
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;

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
"Therefore, 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.

Young's Literal Translation
look out, therefore, brethren, seven men of you who are well testified of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this necessity,

New English Translation
But carefully select from among you, brothers,¹ seven² men who are well-attested,³ full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge⁴ of this necessary task.⁵

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