Jul. 6, 7
Acts 6
Act 6:1 Now in those
days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint
arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows
were neglected in the daily service.
Act 6:2 The twelve
summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not
appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
Act 6:3 Therefore
select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of
the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this
business.
Act 6:4 But we will
continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
Act 6:5 These words
pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith
and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;
Act 6:6 whom they set
before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on
them.
Act 6:7 The word of God
increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem
exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the
faith.
Act 6:8 Stephen, full
of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the
people.
Act 6:9 But some of
those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines,"
and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia
and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
Act 6:10 They weren't
able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
Act 6:11 Then they
secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses and God."
Act 6:12 They stirred
up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and
seized him, and brought him in to the council,
Act 6:13 and set up
false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking
blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
Act 6:14 For we have
heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place,
and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us."
Act 6:15 All who sat in
the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was
the face of an angel.