6
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1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
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Seven Leaders for the Church
6
1 A lot of people were now becoming followers of the Lord. But some of the ones who spoke Greek started complaining about the ones who spoke Aramaic. They complained that the Greek-speaking widows were not given their share when the food supplies were handed out each day.
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2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
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2 The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, “We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables.  q 6.2 to serve at tables: This may mean either that they were in charge of handing out food to the widows or that they were in charge of the money, since the Greek word “table” may also mean “bank.”
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3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
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3 My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things.
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4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
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4 We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching.”
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5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
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5 This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshiped with the Jewish people r 6.5 worshiped with the Jewish people: This translates the Greek word “proselyte” that means a Gentile who had accepted the Jewish religion. in Antioch.
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6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
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6 These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work.
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7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
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7 God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.
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8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
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Stephen Is Arrested
8 God gave Stephen the power to work great miracles and wonders among the people.
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9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
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9 But some Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria were members of a group who called themselves “Free Men.” s 6.9 Free Men: A group of Jewish men who had once been slaves, but had been freed. They started arguing with Stephen. Some others from Cilicia and Asia also argued with him.
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10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
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10 But they were no match for Stephen, who spoke with the great wisdom that the Spirit gave him.
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11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
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11 So they talked some men into saying, “We heard Stephen say terrible things against Moses and God!”
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12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
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12 They turned the people and their leaders and the teachers of the Law of Moses against Stephen. Then they all grabbed Stephen and dragged him in front of the council.
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13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
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13 Some men agreed to tell lies about Stephen, and they said, “This man keeps on saying terrible things about this holy temple and the Law of Moses.
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14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. customs: or, rites
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14 We have heard him claim that Jesus from Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses gave us.”
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15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
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15 Then all the council members stared at Stephen. They saw that his face looked like the face of an angel.
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© 1999 American Bible Society |
