Acts 6

1 But 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.

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 And 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.

So the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

3 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:

Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 but we will give ourselves up to prayer and the ministry of the word.

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

5 And 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,

And these words pleased the whole gathering. 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 whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid their hands on them.

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

7 And 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.

The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought wonders and great signs among the people.

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

9 And 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.

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 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

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

11 Then they suborned men, saying, We have heard him speaking 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 And they roused the people, and the elders, and the scribes. And coming upon [him] they seized him and brought [him] to 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 And they set false witnesses, saying, This man does not cease speaking words against the 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 for we have heard him saying, This Jesus the Nazaraean shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses taught us.

For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us."

15 And all who sat in the council, looking fixedly on him, saw his face as [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.