Acts 6:1-7
Modern English Version
The Seven Helpers
6 Now in those days, as the disciples were multiplied, there was murmuring among the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 So the twelve called the multitude of disciples together and said, “It is not reasonable for us to leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Brothers, look among yourselves for seven men who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this duty. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And what was said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, who was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Procorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they presented before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they placed their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples grew rapidly in Jerusalem, and a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Read full chapter
Acts 6:1-7
Lexham English Bible
The First Seven Deacons Appointed
6 Now in these days, as[a] the disciples were increasing in number,[b] a complaint arose by the Greek-speaking Jews[c] against the Hebraic Jews[d] because[e] their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.[f] 2 So the twelve summoned the community of disciples and[g] said, “It is not desirable that we neglect the word of God to serve tables. 3 So, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation,[h] full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will put in charge of this need. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the statement pleased the whole group, and they chose Stephen (a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit), and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus (a convert from Antioch), 6 whom they stood before the apostles. And they prayed and[i] placed their[j] hands on them.
7 And the word of God kept spreading, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing greatly, and a large number of priests began obeying[k] the faith.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Acts 6:1 Here “as” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“were increasing”)
- Acts 6:1 *The words “in number” are not in the Greek text but are implied
- Acts 6:1 Literally “Hellenists”
- Acts 6:1 Literally “Hebrews”
- Acts 6:1 Or “that”
- Acts 6:1 *The words “of food” are not in the Greek text but are implied
- Acts 6:2 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“summoned”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 6:3 Literally “well spoken of”
- Acts 6:6 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“prayed”) has been translated as a finite verb
- Acts 6:6 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
- Acts 6:7 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began obeying”)
The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.
2012 by Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software