Acts 6:2 · BSB · Tamil Scripture

The Choosing of the Seven

(1 Timothy 3:8–13)

In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews ¹because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Act 2:41 Act 4:35 Jas 5:9 Act 2:47 Act 6:7 Act 9:39 Heb 13:1 Act 11:20

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. Deu 1:9-14 Exo 18:17-26 2Ti 2:4 Neh 6:3 Num 11:11-13 Act 21:22 Act 25:27 Act 4:19 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them 1Ti 3:7-15 Deu 1:13 Jas 3:17-18 1Ti 5:10 Num 27:18-19 Act 13:2-3 3Jn 1:12 Gen 41:38-39 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Act 1:14 1Ti 4:13-16 Php 1:9-11 Act 2:42 2Ti 4:2 Act 13:2-3 Col 1:9-13 Eph 3:14-21

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 Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ² Act 11:24 Act 21:8 Act 8:5-40 Act 6:3 Act 6:8 Act 7:1 Act 11:19 Act 13:1 They presented these seven to the apostles, ³ who prayed and laid their hands on them. 2Ti 1:6 Num 8:10 Act 1:24 1Ti 4:14 Act 8:17 Act 13:3 Act 9:17 1Ti 5:22

So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. Act 19:20 Act 12:24 Col 1:6 Heb 5:9 Rom 16:26 Act 14:22 Jhn 12:42 Rom 1:5

The Arrest of Stephen

Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. Act 4:29-30 Act 6:5 Act 7:55 1Ti 3:13 Act 6:10 Act 2:17-18 Act 6:15 Act 6:3 But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. ⁴ They began to argue with Stephen, Act 15:23 Act 15:41 Act 22:3 Act 23:34 Mat 27:32 Act 16:6 Act 18:24 Act 19:10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Luk 21:15 1Co 2:4 Mat 10:19-20 Jhn 7:46 Luk 12:11-12 Job 32:8 Exo 4:12 Ezk 3:27

Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” Mat 26:59-60 1Ki 21:10-13 1Ti 1:13 Act 15:21 Act 18:6 Act 21:20-22 Act 21:28 Act 23:12-15

So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, ⁵ Pro 15:18 Act 14:2 Mat 26:57 Act 13:50 Act 16:19-21 Act 17:13 Act 17:5-6 Act 21:27 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. Act 6:11 Act 21:28 Act 25:8 Act 7:58 Mat 24:15 Psa 27:12 Psa 35:11 Psa 56:5 For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” Act 21:21 Dan 9:26 Heb 12:26-28 Act 15:1 Act 28:17 Gal 3:19 Gal 3:23 Gal 4:3-5

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Mat 13:43 Ecc 8:1 Exo 34:29-35 Mat 17:2 2Co 3:18 2Co 3:7-8 Mat 5:22