The Acts of the Apostles, ch 6

by Felix Alexander

Selection of the seven servants

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 isn’t appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 So select from amongst yas, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, who we can appoint over this business. 4 But we’ll 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, ˈPrŏch-o-rus, ˈNī-ca-nor, ˈTī-mon, ˈPar-me-nas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch; 6 who they set before the apostles. When they’d prayed, they laid their hands on em. 7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Slanders against the Servant Stephen

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 Cyˈrē-nians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Ciˈlĭ-cia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 10 They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit he spoke by. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We’ve 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, and brought him in to the council, 13 and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 14 Cos we’ve 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.