The Choosing of the Seven (1 Timothy 3:8–13)
1 CPDV In those days, as the number of disciples was increasing, there occurred a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were treated with disdain in the daily ministration. BSB BSB: In 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.
2 CPDV And so the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: “It is not fair for us to leave behind the Word of God to serve at tables also. BSB BSB: So 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.
3 CPDV Therefore, brothers, search among yourselves for seven men of good testimony, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, whom we may appoint over this work. BSB BSB: Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
4 CPDV Yet truly, we will be continually in prayer and in the ministry of the Word.” BSB BSB: and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 CPDV And the plan pleased the entire multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a new arrival from Antioch. BSB BSB: This 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.
6 CPDV These they set before the sight of the Apostles, and while praying, they imposed hands on them. BSB BSB: They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 CPDV And the Word of the Lord was increasing, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly. And even a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith. BSB BSB: So 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.
The Arrest of Stephen 8 CPDV Then Stephen, filled with grace and fortitude, wrought great signs and miracles among the people. BSB BSB: Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
10 CPDV But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. BSB BSB: but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11 CPDV Then they suborned men who were to claim that they had heard him speaking words of blasphemy against Moses and against God. BSB BSB: Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”
12 CPDV And thus did they stir up the people and the elders and the scribes. And hurrying together, they seized him and brought him to the council. BSB BSB: So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,
13 CPDV And they set up false witnesses, who said: “This man does not cease to speak words against the holy place and the law. BSB BSB: where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
14 CPDV For we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and will change the traditions, which Moses handed down to us.” BSB BSB: For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”
15 CPDV And all those who were sitting in the council, gazing at him, saw his face, as if it had become the face of an Angel. BSB BSB: All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.