| New King James Version | International Standard Version |
| 1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. | 1In those days, as the number of the disciples was growing larger and larger, a complaint was made by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. |
| 2Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. | 2So the Twelve called the whole group of disciples together and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect messages from God in order to wait on tables. |
| 3Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; | 3Therefore, brothers, appoint seven men among you who have a good reputation, who are full of the Spirit and wisdom, and we'll put them in charge of this work. |
| 4but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” | 4Then we'll devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." |
| 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, | 5This suggestion pleased the whole group. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch. |
| 6whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. | 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. |
| 7Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. | 7So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. |
| 8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. | 8Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. |
| 9Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. | 9But some men who belonged to the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), as well as some Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and began to debate with Stephen. |
| 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. | 10But they could neither refute the wisdom nor withstand the Spirit by which he kept speaking. |
| 11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” | 11So they secretly got some men to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God." |
| 12And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. | 12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes. Then they rushed at Stephen, grabbed him, and brought him before the Council. |
| 13They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; | 13They had false witnesses stand up and say, "This man never stops saying things 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 which Moses delivered to us.” | 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus from Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us." |
| 15And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. | 15Then everyone who was seated in the Council glared at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. |
| The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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