Acts Chapter 6 Back Next{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.
{6:2} 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.
{6:3} 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.
{6:4} But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
{6:5} 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;
{6:6} whom they set before the
apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
{6:7} The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in
Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
{6:8} Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
{6:9} 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.
{6:10} They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
{6:11} Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."
{6:12} They stirred up the people, the
elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the
council,
{6:13} and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this
holy place and the
law.
{6:14} 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."
{6:15} All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
Acts Chapter 6 Back Next