Acts 6
6
Seven leaders for the church
1A lot of people were now becoming followers of the Lord. But some of the ones who spoke Greek started complaining about the ones who spoke Aramaic. They complained that the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day.
2The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, “We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables.#6.2 to serve at tables: This may mean either that they were in charge of handing out food to the widows or that they were in charge of the money, since the Greek word “table” may also mean “bank”. 3My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things. 4We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching.”
5This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshipped with the Jewish people#6.5 worshipped with the Jewish people: This translates the Greek word “proselyte” that means a Gentile who had accepted the Jewish religion. in Antioch. 6These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work. 7God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.
Stephen is arrested
8God gave Stephen the power to perform great miracles and wonders among the people. 9But some Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria were members of a group who called themselves “Free Men”.#6.9 Free Men: A group of Jewish men who had once been slaves, but had been freed. They started arguing with Stephen. Some others from Cilicia and Asia also argued with him. 10But they were no match for Stephen, who spoke with the great wisdom that the Spirit gave him. 11So they talked some men into saying, “We heard Stephen say terrible things against Moses and God!”
12They turned the people and their leaders and the teachers of the Law of Moses against Stephen. Then they all grabbed Stephen and dragged him in front of the council.
13Some men agreed to tell lies about Stephen, and they said, “This man keeps on saying terrible things about this holy temple and the Law of Moses. 14We have heard him claim that Jesus from Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses gave us.” 15Then all the council members stared at Stephen. They saw that his face looked like the face of an angel.
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Acts 6: CEVUK
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© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012
The Acts 6
6
1But in those days, the disciples multiplying in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were overlooked in the daily ministration. 2And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples to them, said, It is not right that we, leaving the word of God, should serve tables. 3Look 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: 4but we will give ourselves up to prayer and the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole 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, a proselyte of Antioch, 6whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was very greatly multiplied, and a great crowd of the priests obeyed the faith.
8And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought wonders and great signs among the people. 9And there arose up certain of those of the synagogue called of freedmen, and of Cyrenians, and of Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they suborned men, saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. 12And they roused the people, and the elders, and the scribes. And coming upon him they seized him and brought him to the council. 13And they set false witnesses, saying, This man does not cease speaking words against the holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him saying, This Jesus the Nazaraean shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses taught us. 15And all who sat in the council, looking fixedly on him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
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First published in 1890. This edition is maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society.