Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In those days, when the number of disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose among the Greek-speaking Jews against their Hebrew brethren because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The twelve apostles called the multitude of disciples to them and said, "It's not reasonable that we should leave the word of God to serve tables."

Brethren, look out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business so we can devote ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. The saying pleased the whole multitude.

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. They set these seven men before the apostles; when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The word of God increased, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly. A large group of priests became obedient to the faith. Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Certain individuals from the synagogue of the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians arose, disputing with Stephen over his teachings. They were unable to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they suborned men who falsely accused him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.

They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes against him, seized him, and brought him before the council. The accusers set up false witnesses who testified that Stephen never stopped speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses delivered to us.

All who sat in the council gazed intently at Stephen's face, seeing it as radiant as an angel's.