The Choosing of the Seven
(1 Timothy 3:8–13)

1In those days when the disciples (pupils) were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews \the Hellenists began to grumble against the Hebrews/a because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

2So the Twelve summoned all the disciples (pupils) and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God {Theou} in order to wait on tables. 3Therefore, brothers, select from among you⁺ seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit {Pneumatos} and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them 4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry {diakonia} of the word.”

5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen (that which surrounds), a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos}, as well as Philip (friend of horses), Prochorus (leader of the dance), Nicanor, Timon (to honor), Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism \and Nicolas, a convert of Antioch/.b 6They presented these seven to the apostles \—whom they set before the apostles,/,c who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7So the word of God {Theou} continued to spread. The number of disciples (pupils) in Jerusalem (city of peace) grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Arrest of Stephen

8Now Stephen (that which surrounds), who was full of grace and power {dynameōs}, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia \and those from Cilicia and Asia/.d They disputed with Stephen (that which surrounds), 10but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit {Pneumati} by whom he spoke.

11Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words {rhēmata} of blasphemy against Moses (drawn out) and against God {Theon}.”

12So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin (the Council),e 13where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that Jesus (YHWH saves) of Nazareth (branch) will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses (drawn out) handed down to us.”

15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin (the Council) looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel (messenger).