1
At that time, as the number of disciples grew, Greek-speaking Jews complained about the Hebrew-speaking Jews. The Greek-speaking Jews claimed that the widows among them were neglected every day when food and other assistance was distributed.
2
The twelve apostles called all the disciples together and told them, "It's not right for us to give up God's word in order to distribute food.
3
So, brothers and sisters, choose seven men whom the people know are spiritually wise. We will put them in charge of this problem.
4
However, we will devote ourselves to praying and to serving in ways that are related to the word."
5
The suggestion pleased the whole group. So they chose Stephen, who was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, who had converted to Judaism in the city of Antioch.
6
The disciples had these men stand in front of the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on these seven men.
7
The word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew very large. A large number of priests accepted the faith.
8
Stephen was a man filled with God's favor and power. He did amazing things and performed miracles.
9
[One day] some men from the cities of Cyrene and Alexandria and the provinces of Cilicia and Asia started an argument with Stephen. They belonged to a synagogue called Freedmen's Synagogue.
10
They couldn't argue with Stephen because he spoke with the wisdom that the Spirit had given him.