Acts 5:32-6:15

Holman Christian Standard Bible

³² We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit^(A) whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.^{(B) 34} A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men^[a] to be taken outside for a little while.^{(C) 35} He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men. ³⁶ Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing.^{(D) 37} After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following.^[b] That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. ³⁸ And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;^{(E) 39} but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him.^{(F) 40} After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.^{(G) 41} Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name.^{[c](H) 42} Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 In those days, as the number of the disciples^(I) was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews^[d] against the Hebraic Jews^[e] that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.^{(J) 2} Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters.^{[f] 3} Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation,^(K) full of the Spirit^(L) and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” ⁵ The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen,^(M) a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.^{(N) 6} They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed^(O) and laid their hands on^(P) them.^[g]

⁷ So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied^(Q) greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

⁸ Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then some from what is called the Freedmen’s Synagogue, composed of both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and disputed with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.

¹¹ Then they persuaded some men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!”^{(R) 12} They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, dragged him off, and took him to the Sanhedrin. ¹³ They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.^{(S) 14} For we heard him say that Jesus, this Nazarene, will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”^{(T) 15} And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.