Fluent Translation · Read & Reflect
Acts 6
Seven Are Chosen for the Daily Distribution
In those days, as the number of disciples was increasing, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The twelve called together the whole community of disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect God’s word in order to serve tables. Therefore, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men with good reputations, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint over this responsibility. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole community. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert to Judaism from Antioch. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. God’s word continued to spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Stephen Is Seized
Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. But some people from the synagogue called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, along with Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly prompted men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes. They came upon Stephen, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law. We have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” Everyone sitting in the council looked intently at Stephen and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.