| Berean Study Bible | New International 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 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them | 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 |
| 4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” | 4and will give our attention to prayer and 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 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. |
| 6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. | 6They presented these men to 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 spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and 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, a man full of God's grace and power, performed 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, | 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. |
| 10but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. | 10But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. |
| 11Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” | 11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." |
| 12So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, | 12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. |
| 13where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. | 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking 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 of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs 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 Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. |
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