33 Now when* they heard this,* they were infuriated, and were wanting to execute them. 34 But a certain man stood up in the Sanhedrin,i a Pharisee ⌊named⌋j Gamaliel, a teacher of the law respected by all the people, and* gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men and Israelites, take care for yourselves what you are about to do to these men! 36 For before these days, Theudas rose up saying he was somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined ⌊him⌋.k ⌊He⌋l was executed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and ⌊caused people to follow him in revolt⌋.m And that one perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 And now I tell you, keep away from these men, and leave them alone, because if this plan or this matter is from people, it will be overthrown.n 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest you even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. 40 And they summoned the apostles, beat them,* commanded them* not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.* 41 So they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrino rejoicing, because they had been considered worthy to be dishonored for the sake of the name. 42 Every day, both in the temple courts* and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christp was Jesus.

The First Seven Deacons Appointed

6 Now in these days, as* the disciples were increasing in number,* a complaint arose by the ⌊Greek-speaking Jews⌋a against the ⌊Hebraic Jews⌋b becausec their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.* 2 So the twelve summoned the community of disciples and* said, “It is not desirable that we neglect the word of God to serve tables. 3 So, brothers, select from among you seven men ⌊of good reputation⌋,d full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will put in charge of this need. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the statement pleased the whole group, and they chose Stephen (a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit), and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus (a convert from Antioch), 6 whom they stood before the apostles. And they prayed and* placed their* hands on them.

7 And the word of God kept spreading, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing greatly, and a large number of priests began obeying* the faith.