Acts 6

6 ¹In those days, as the disciples multiplied, the Greek-speaking Jews grumbled against the Hebrews because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ^a a v1 The "Greek-speaking Jews" were not Gentiles but Jewish believers whose first language and culture were Greek rather than Aramaic — a difference that bred the neglect described here. ²So the Twelve called all the disciples together and said, "It's not right for us to neglect our Father's word to serve tables. ³So, brothers, pick seven men among you, well-respected, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we'll appoint to this task. ⁴But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

⁵The whole assembly approved, and chose Stephen—full of faith and the Holy Spirit—along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch. ⁶They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷The word of our Father spread, and disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly; a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized by His Enemies

⁸Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹Some from the so-called Synagogue of the Freedmen—Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia—rose up to argue with Stephen. ¹⁰Yet they could not stand up against the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. ¹¹Then they secretly instructed men to say, "We heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." ¹²They stirred up the people, elders, and scribes; came upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council. ¹³They brought in false witnesses, saying, "This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the law. ¹⁴For we heard him say this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us." ¹⁵Everyone sitting in the council stared at him and saw his face was like an angel's face.