MSB ACTs Chapter 6

The Choosing of the Seven

(1 Timothy 3:8–13)

In those days [when] the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian [Jews among them] began to grumble against the Hebraic [Jews][fn] because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution [ of food ].

2 

So the Twelve summoned all the disciples [and] said,“It is vvv unacceptable [for] us to neglect the word of God [in order] to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Holy[fn] Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility [to them] 4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 

[This] proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and [of the] Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert [to Judaism].[fn] 6 They presented [these seven] to the apostles,[fn] [who] prayed [and] laid [their] hands on them.

7 

[So] the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests[fn] became obedient to the faith.

8 

The Arrest of Stephen

Now Stephen, [who was] full of faith[fn] and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But resistance arose from what was called [the] Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from [the provinces of] Cilicia and Asia.[fn] They disputed with Stephen, 10 [but] vvv they could not stand up to [his] wisdom [or] the Spirit by whom he spoke.

11 

Then they prompted [some] men to say“We heard [Stephen] speak words of blasphemy against Moses and [against] God.”

12 

[So] they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted [Stephen]. They seized him and brought [him] before the Sanhedrin,[fn] 13 [where] they presented false witnesses [who] said,“This man vvv never stops speaking blasphemies[fn] against [this] holy place and [against] the law. 14 For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

15 

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at [Stephen], [and] they saw that his face [was] like [the] face of an angel.