Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

1 Now in those days, a when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the b Hellenists, 1 because their widows were neglected c in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, d "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 "Therefore, brethren, e seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this f business; 4 "but we g will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, h a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and i Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and j Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and k when they had prayed, l they laid hands on them.

7 Then m the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many n of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Stephen Is Seized

8 And Stephen, full of 2 faith and power, did great o wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And p they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 q Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak 3 blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 r "for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us." 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 2:41
    Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
    Acts 4:4
    However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 9:29
    And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
    Acts 11:20
    But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 4:35
    And laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
    Acts 11:29
    Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
  4. Cross References
    Exodus 18:17
    So Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good.
  5. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 1:13
    'Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.'
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  6. Cross References
    Philippians 1:1
    Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
    1 Timothy 3:8 - 13
    Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 2:42
    And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  8. Cross References
    Acts 6:3
    Therefore, 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.
    Acts 11:24
    For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
  9. Cross References
    Acts 8:5
    Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
    Acts 8:26
    Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert.
    Acts 21:8
    On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
  10. Cross References
    Revelation 2:6
    But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
    Revelation 2:15
    Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 1:24
    And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
  12. Cross References
    Numbers 8:10
    So you shall bring the Levites before the LORD,...
    Numbers 27:18
    And the LORD said to Moses: "Take Joshua the so...
    Deuteronomy 34:9
    Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spiri...
    Mark 5:23
    And begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little da...
    Acts 8:17
    Then they laid hands on them, and they received...
    Acts 9:17
    And Ananias went his way and entered the house;...
    Acts 13:3
    Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands ...
    Acts 19:6
    And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy ...
    1 Timothy 4:14
    Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which w...
    2 Timothy 1:6
    Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of G...
    Hebrews 6:2
    Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of ha...
  13. Cross References
    Acts 12:24
    But the word of God grew and multiplied.
    Colossians 1:6
    Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
  14. Cross References
    John 12:42
    Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 2:43
    Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
    Acts 5:12
    And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.
    Acts 8:15
    Who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
    Acts 14:3
    Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
  16. Cross References
    Exodus 4:12
    "Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say."
    Isaiah 54:17
    No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD.
    Luke 21:15
    For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
  17. Cross References
    1 Kings 21:10
    And seat two men, scoundrels, before him to bear witness against him, saying, "You have blasphemed God and the king." Then take him out, and stone him, that he may die.
    1 Kings 21:13
    And two men, scoundrels, came in and sat before him; and the scoundrels witnessed against him, against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, "Naboth has blasphemed God and the king!" Then they took him outside the city and stoned him with stones, so that he died.
    Matthew 26:59
    Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death.
    Matthew 26:60
    But found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
  18. Cross References
    Acts 10:38
    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
    Acts 25:8
    While he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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