| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia--who began to argue with Stephen. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us." |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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