Acts, 6

1. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

1. In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

2. So the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God to serve at tables.

3. 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.

3. So, friends, choose from among yourselves seven respected men full of Spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them to this task.

4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

4. As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."

5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

5. The whole community agreed and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and Nicolaus of Antioch who was a proselyte.

6. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

6. They presented these men to the apostles who first prayed over them and then laid hands upon them.

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

7. The Word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly and even many priests accepted the faith.

8. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

8. Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

9. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

9. Some persons then came forward, who belonged to the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia.

10. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

10. They argued with Stephen but they could not match the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

11. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God.

11. As they were unable to face the truth, they bribed some men to say, "We heard him speak against Moses and against God."

12. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

12. So they stirred up the people, the elders and the teachers of the Law; they took him by surprise, seized him and brought him before the Council.

13. And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

13. Then they produced false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking against our Holy Place and the Law.

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

14. We even heard him say that Jesus the Nazarean will destroy our Holy Place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us."

15. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

15. And all who sat in the Council fixed their eyes on him, and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.