| New King James Version | Berean Study Bible |
| 1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. | 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. |
| 2Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. | 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. |
| 3Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; | 3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them |
| 4but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” | 4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” |
| 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, | 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. |
| 6whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. | 6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. |
| 7Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. | 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. |
| 8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. | 8Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. |
| 9Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. | 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, |
| 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. | 10but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. |
| 11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” | 11Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” |
| 12And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. | 12So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, |
| 13They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; | 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 this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” | 14For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” |
| 15And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as 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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