Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Problems of family living
6 Around that time, as the number of disciples increased, the “Hellenists” raised a dispute with the “Hebrews” because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called the whole crowd of disciples together.
“Listen,” they said. “It wouldn’t be right for us to leave the word of God to wait on tables. 3 So, brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among yourselves who are well spoken of and filled with the spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of what needs to be done in this matter. 4 We will continue to pay attention to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 The whole gathering was pleased with what they said. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the holy spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus (a proselyte from Antioch). 6 They presented them before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 The word of God increased, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew by leaps and bounds. This included a large crowd of priests who became obedient to the faith.
51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are uncircumcised! You always resist the holy spirit, just as your ancestors did before you! 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? And you killed those who announced in advance the coming of the Righteous One—and now you have betrayed him and murdered him. 53 You received the law at the command of angels, but you didn’t keep it!”
The stoning of Stephen
54 What Stephen said was a blow right to the heart. When they heard it, they gnashed their teeth against him. 55 He, however, was filled with the holy spirit, and looked steadily up into heaven. There he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
56 “Look!” he said. “I can see heaven opened, and the son of man standing at God’s right hand!”
57 But they yelled at him at the tops of their voices, blocked their ears and made a concerted dash at him. 58 They bundled him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 So they stoned Stephen.
“Lord Jesus,” he cried out, “receive my spirit.”
60 Then he knelt down and shouted at the top of his voice, “Lord, don’t let this sin stand against them.”
Once he had said this, he fell asleep.
Scripture quotations from The New Testament for Everyone are copyright © Nicholas Thomas Wright 2011, 2018, 2019.