The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Apostles 06
1 Now in those days, when the number
of the disciples was multiplying, a
complaint arose from the Hellenists† against
the Hebrews, because their widows were
neglected in the daily service.
2 The twelve summoned the multitude of
the disciples and said, “It is not
appropriate for us to forsake the
word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, select from among you,
brothers, seven men of good report, full of
the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we
may appoint over this business.
4 But we will continue steadfastly in
prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
5 These words pleased the whole multitude.
They chose Stephen, a man full of
faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,
Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and
Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles.
When they had prayed, they laid their
hands on them.
7 The word of God increased and the
number of the disciples greatly multiplied
in Jerusalem. A great company of the
priests were obedient to the faith.
8 Stephen, full of faith and power,
performed great wonders and signs among
the people.
9 But some of those who were of the
synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of
the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of
those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing
with Stephen.
10 They weren’t able to withstand the
wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men to say,
“We have heard him speak blasphemous
words against Moses and God.”
12 They stirred up the people, the elders,
and the scribes, and came against him and
seized him, then brought him in to the
council,
13 and set up false witnesses who said,
“This man never stops speaking blasphemous
words againstthis holy place and the law.
14 For we have heard him say that this
Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place,
and will change the customs which Moses
delivered to us.”
15 All who sat in the council, fastening
their eyes on him, saw his face like it was
the face of an angel.