The Choosing of the Seven (1 Timothy 3:8–13)
1 ULT Now in those days, when the disciples were multiplying, a complaint by the Hellenists happened against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving. 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 ULT So summoning the multitude of the disciples, the Twelve said,“It is not acceptable for us to leave behind the word of God 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 ULT So brothers, choose from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this task. 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 ULT But we will 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 ULT And the statement was pleasing before the whole multitude. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and 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 ULT They brought them before the apostles, and having prayed, they placed their hands upon them. BSB BSB: They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 ULT So the word of God kept spreading, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large crowd 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 ULT 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 ULT But they were not able to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke. BSB BSB: but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11 ULT Then they bribed men to say,“We have heard him speak 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 ULT They also stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and approaching him, they seized him and brought him to the Sanhedrin. BSB BSB: So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,
13 ULT And they brought false witnesses, saying,“This man does not stop 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 ULT For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene 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 ULT And looking intently at him, everyone sitting in the Sanhedrin 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.