(1 Timothy 3:8–13)

¹ In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews¹ because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

1. Literally the Hellenists began to grumble against the Hebrews

² So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is 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 Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint 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.¹

1. Literally and Nicolas, a convert of Antioch

⁶ They presented these seven to the apostles,¹ who prayed and laid their hands on them.

1. Literally —whom they set before the apostles,

⁷ So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Arrest of Stephen

⁸ Now Stephen, who was full of grace 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.¹ They began to argue with Stephen,

1. Literally and those from Cilicia and Asia; the Roman Province of Asia was located in what is now western Turkey.

¹⁰ but 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,¹

1. Or the Council; also in verse 15

¹³ where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking 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.