The Choosing of the Seven

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) 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. 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) and will give our attention to prayer(J) and the ministry of the word.”

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. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed(N) and laid their hands on them.(O)

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.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 6:1 That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture

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)

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)

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