1 Now in these :days, the disciples multiplying, a murmuring arose of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their :widows were neglected in the daily :ministration. 2 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, It is not pleasing God that we should forsake the word of :God, and minister to tables. 3 But brethren, look out from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this :business. 4 But WE will continue steadfastly in :prayer, and in 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, and Prochorus, and Nicanōr, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos an Antioch proselyte; 6 whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
7 And the word of :God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great crowd of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But certain arose of those of the synagogue :called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and those of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with :Stephen. 10 And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, who said [that], We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and :God. 12 And they stirred up both the people and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon, seized, and brought him into the Sanhedrin, 13 and set up false witnesses, who said, This :man ceaseth not to speak words against this :holy :place, and the law: 14 for we have heard him say, that this :Jesus the Nazorean shall destroy this :place, and change the customs which Moses delivered to us. 15 And all that sat in the Sanhedrin, fastening their eyes on him, saw :his face as if an angel’s face.
