Berean Study Bible | International Standard Version |
1In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. | 1In those days, as the number of the disciples was growing larger and larger, a complaint was made by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. |
2So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. | 2So the Twelve called the whole group of disciples together and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect messages from God in order to wait on tables. |
3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them | 3Therefore, brothers, appoint seven men among you who have a good reputation, who are full of the Spirit and wisdom, and we'll put them in charge of this work. |
4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” | 4Then we'll devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." |
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. | 5This suggestion pleased the whole group. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch. |
6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. | 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. |
7So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. | 7So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. |
8Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. | 8Now Stephen, full of grace and power, 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. They began to argue with Stephen, | 9But some men who belonged to the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), as well as some Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and began to debate with Stephen. |
10but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. | 10But they could neither refute the wisdom nor withstand the Spirit by which he kept speaking. |
11Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” | 11So they secretly got some men to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God." |
12So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, | 12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes. Then they rushed at Stephen, grabbed him, and brought him before the Council. |
13where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. | 13They had false witnesses stand up and say, "This man never stops saying things against this Holy Place and against the Law. |
14For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” | 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus from Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us." |
15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. | 15Then everyone who was seated in the Council glared at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. |
The Berean Bible (Berean Study Bible (BSB) © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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