Book of Common Prayer

6 At that time more and more people joined the disciples. Then there was trouble about a certain matter. The Jews who spoke the Greek language complained against the other Jews. They said that each day when the food was being divided, their women whose husbands were dead did not get their part.

² Then the twelve apostles called all of the disciples together. They said, `It is not right for us to stop preaching God's word to divide the food.

³ So then, brothers, you choose seven men who you know are good men. Choose men who are full of the Holy Spirit and are wise. We will give them the work to divide the food.

⁴ But we ourselves will keep on talking with God and telling his word.'

⁵ This pleased all the people. The men they chose were Stephen, a man who believed God and was full of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus from Antioch who had joined the Jews.

⁶ These men were brought before the apostles. When the apostles had talked with God, they put their hands on their heads [to bless them].

⁷ The word of God spread further and further, and many people in Jerusalem believed. Many of the priests also believed.

⁵⁹ They kept on throwing stones at Stephen. He spoke to God and said, `Oh, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'

⁶⁰ Then he kneeled down and said in a loud voice, `Lord, do not punish them for this wrong thing they are doing,' After he said this, he died.

8 Saul agreed to Stephen being killed. At that time the church people at Jerusalem had much trouble. The church people all went into Judea and Samaria. Only the apostles stayed on at Jerusalem.

² Good men buried Stephen. They were very sad because he died.

³ Saul made much trouble for the church people. He went into every house, pulled out men and women, and put them into prison.

⁴ The people who left Jerusalem went all around telling the good news about Jesus.

⁵ Then Philip went to the city of Samaria and told people about Christ.

⁶ And all the people together listened to what Philip said because they heard and saw the big works which he did.

⁷ Many people who were held by bad spirits were made free from them. The spirits came out of them crying loudly. Many other sick people were healed too. People who could not stand, and others who were lame, were healed.

⁸ The people all over the city were very glad.