Acts 6

1 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.

At this time, when the number of believers was increasing rapidly, the Greek-speaking believers started arguing with the Aramaic-speaking believers. They complained that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

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

The twelve apostles called all the believers together, and told them, “It's not appropriate for us to give up spreading the word of God so we can wait at tables.

3 Therefore, 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.

Brothers, choose from among you seven trustworthy men full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will hand this responsibility over to them.

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

We ourselves will give our full attention to prayer and the ministry of spreading the word.”

5 These 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,

Everybody was happy with the arrangement, and they chose Stephen, (a man full of trust in God and of the Holy Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus (originally a Jewish convert from Antioch).

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

These men were presented to the apostles who prayed for them and placed their hands on them in blessing.

7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem greatly increased, with a large number of priests committing themselves to trusting in Jesus.

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

Stephen, full of grace and God's power, performed wonderful miracles among the people.

9 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.

But some started arguing with him. They were from the synagogue called “the Free,” as well as Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia Minor.

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

But they weren't able to stand against Stephen's wisdom or the Spirit with which he was speaking.

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

So they bribed some men to say, “We heard this man blaspheme Moses, and God too!”

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

They stirred up the people, and together with the elders and the teachers of the law, they came and arrested him. They brought him before the council,

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

and called false witnesses who testified against him. “This man is always slandering the holy Temple and the law,” they said.

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

“We've heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple, and will change the laws we received from Moses.”

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

Everyone sitting on the council looked closely at Stephen, and his face shone like the face of an angel.