The Choosing of the Seven

6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,^(A) the Hellenistic Jews^[a](B) among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows^(C) were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.^{(D) 2} So the Twelve gathered all the disciples^(E) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God^(F) in order to wait on tables. ³ Brothers and sisters,^(G) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit^(H) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them^{(I) 4} and will give our attention to prayer^(J) and the ministry of the word.”

⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,^(K) a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;^(L) also Philip,^(M) Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶ They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed^(N) and laid their hands on them.^(O)

⁷ So the word of God spread.^(P) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^(Q) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Stoning of Stephen

⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious^(A) and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit,^(B) looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.^{(C) 56} “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open^(D) and the Son of Man^(E) standing at the right hand of God.”

⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, ⁵⁸ dragged him out of the city^(F) and began to stone him.^(G) Meanwhile, the witnesses^(H) laid their coats^(I) at the feet of a young man named Saul.^(J)

⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”^{(K) 60} Then he fell on his knees^(L) and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”^(M) When he had said this, he fell asleep.^(N)

8 And Saul^(O) approved of their killing him.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered^(P) throughout Judea and Samaria.^{(Q) 2} Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. ³ But Saul^(R) began to destroy the church.^(S) Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.