Acts 6
Seven Chosen to Serve
1
Now in those days, when the number of the
disciples was multiplying, there arose a
complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,
because their widows were neglected in the daily
distribution.
2
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the
disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we
should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you
seven men of good reputation, full of the
Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over
this business;
4
but we will give ourselves continually 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 the
Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor,
Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from
Antioch,
6
whom they set before the apostles; and when they
had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7
Then the word of God spread, and the number of
the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem,
and a great many of the priests were obedient to
the faith.Stephen Accused of
Blasphemy
8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great
wonders and signs among the people.
9
Then there arose some from what is called the
Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians,
Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia),
disputing with Stephen.
10
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and
the Spirit by which he spoke.
11
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have
heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses
and God.”
12
And they stirred up the people, the elders, and
the scribes; and they came upon him,
seized him, and brought him to the
council.
13
They also set up false witnesses who said, “This
man does not cease to speak blasphemous words
against this holy place and the law;
14
for we have heard him say that this Jesus of
Nazareth will destroy this place and change the
customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15
And all who sat in the council, looking
steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of
an angel.
