| Berean Study Bible | NET Bible |
| 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. | 1Now in those days, when the disciples were growing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Greek-speaking Jews against the native Hebraic Jews, because their widows were being overlooked 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 the disciples together and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God 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 | 3But carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task. |
| 4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” | 4But we will 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. | 5The proposal pleased the entire group, so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a Gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch. |
| 6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. | 6They stood these men before the apostles, who prayed and placed 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. | 7The word of God continued to spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large group 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 miraculous 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 from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, as well as some from Cilicia and the province of Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. |
| 10but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. | 10Yet they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. |
| 11Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” | 11Then they secretly instigated some men to say, "We have heard this man 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 incited the people, the elders, and the experts in the law; then they approached Stephen, seized 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 brought forward false witnesses who said, "This man does not stop saying things against this holy place and 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 saying that Jesus the Nazarene 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. | 15All who were sitting in the council looked intently at Stephen and saw his face was like the face of an angel. |
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