The Choosing of the Seven (1 Timothy 3:8–13)
1 UEB Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint by the Grecian Jews began against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 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 UEB The twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, "It is not right for us to give up the word of God in order to 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 UEB You should therefore choose, brothers, seven men from among yourselves, men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint 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 UEB As for us, we will always continue 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 UEB Their speech pleased the whole multitude. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte 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 UEB The believers brought these men before the apostles, who prayed and then placed their hands upon them. BSB BSB: They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 UEB So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large number of the priests became 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 UEB Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and 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 UEB But they were not able to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. BSB BSB: but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11 UEB Then they bribed some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words 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 UEB They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they approached Stephen and seized him and brought him before 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 UEB They brought false witnesses, who said, "This man does not stop speaking words against this 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 UEB For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that 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 UEB Everyone who sat in the council fixed their eyes on him and saw his face was like 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.