Get the free app for more features and content.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

The Choosing of the Seven

1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

8Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Holy Bible, New International Version™, NIV™
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The “New International Version” is a trademark registered in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. The “NIV”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.
Learn more at www.Biblica.com.

Featured Resources

Book of Acts Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)

Book of Acts Summary: A Complete Animated Overv...

Watch our overview video on the book of Acts, which breaks down the literary ...

BibleProject

Dr. Kevin DeYoung | The Word and Wisdom

Dr. Kevin DeYoung | The Word and Wisdom

Full sermon from: Sunday, October 6, 2019 Given by: Dr. Kevin DeYoung, Senior...

Christ Covenant Church

Introduction to Acts

Introduction to Acts

Dr. Joel B. Green introduces Acts, saying that the book is less a story of th...

Fuller Studio

Nancy Guthrie: Learning from the Life and Death of Stephen

Nancy Guthrie: Learning from the Life and Death...

Learn more: crossway.org/books/saints-and-scoundrels-in-the-story-of-jesus-tpb/

Crossway

[CSAP 527] The Book of Acts - Walt Russell

[CSAP 527] The Book of Acts - Walt Russell

Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods (CSAP 527), Dr. Walt Russell The Book...

Biola University

New Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

New Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Over...

Watch our overview video on the New Testament. This video breaks down the lit...

BibleProject

What Happened at Pentecost and Why It's Important

What Happened at Pentecost and Why It's Important

The book of Acts shows how God fulfilled His ancient promises to restore His ...

BibleProject

Explore Acts 6