The Choosing of the Seven (1 Timothy 3:8–13)
1 DBY But in those days, the disciples multiplying in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were overlooked 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 DBY And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples to them , said, It is not right that we, leaving the word of God, should serve tables. 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 DBY Look out therefore, brethren, from among yourselves seven men, well reported of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we will establish over this business: 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 DBY but we will give ourselves up to prayer and the ministry of the word. BSB BSB: and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 DBY And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of 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 DBY whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid their hands on them. BSB BSB: They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 DBY And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was very greatly multiplied, and a great crowd of the priests obeyed 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 DBY And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought wonders and great signs among the people. BSB BSB: Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
10 DBY And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. BSB BSB: but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11 DBY Then they suborned men, saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. BSB BSB: Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”
12 DBY And they roused the people, and the elders, and the scribes. And coming upon him 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 DBY And they set false witnesses, saying, This man does not cease speaking 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 DBY for we have heard him saying, This Jesus the Nazaraean shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses taught 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 DBY And all who sat in the council, looking fixedly on him, saw his face as 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.