1 Now 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. |
2 Then 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. |
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; |
4 "but we 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, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, |
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. |
7 Then 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. |
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great 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 they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. |
11 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 blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; |
14 "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. |