1 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews6:1 Literally the Hellenists began to grumble against the Hebrewsbecause their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, "It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them 4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolasfrom Antioch, a convert to Judaism.6:5 Literally and Nicolas, a convert of Antioch6 They presented these seven to the apostles,6:6 Literally —whom they set before the apostles,who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalemgrew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
The Arrest of Stephen
8 Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Ciliciaand Asia.6:9 Literally and those from Cilicia and Asia; the Roman Province of Asia was located in what is now western Turkey.They disputed with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
11 Then they prompted some men to say, "We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Mosesand against God."
12 So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,6:12 Or the Council; also in verse 1513 where they presented false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that Jesusof Nazarethwill destroy this place and change the customs that Moseshanded down to us."
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Lugar Bíblico
Cidade / Povoado
Antioch
Hoje: Antakya (Hatay), Turkey
ἈντιόχειαAntiocheia
Antioch is the city where the disciples were called Christians first. Barnabas and Saul spent a whole year there meeting with the church and teaching great numbers of people (Acts 11:26).
Jerusalem is the city of the house of God, where children of Judah and Benjamin lived; the Babylonian army broke down the walls of the city (2 Kings 25:10).
Cyrene is the place from which came Simon, who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus; Lucius, a prophet and teacher in Antioch, and Jews who argued with Stephen were also from there (Matthew 27:32).
Alexandria is the place of origin of Apollos, a Jew who came to Ephesus, of Jews who argued with Stephen, and of a ship sailing for Italy (Acts 18:24).
Asia is the province where, for two years, Jews and Greeks who lived there heard the word of the Lord; seven churches, from Ephesus to Laodicea, were located in it (Acts 19:10).
Moses, a Levite raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, was called by God at the burning bush, brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, and received the law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:4).
Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, was born of Mary in Bethlehem, proclaimed the kingdom of God, died by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, and was raised on the third day (Matthew 1:16).
Nazareth is the town in Galilee where Jesus had been brought up and where, on the Sabbath day, he went into the synagogue and stood up to read (Luke 4:16).
Moses, a Levite raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, was called by God at the burning bush, brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, and received the law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:4).