Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, it came about that the Grecian Jews grumbled against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food.
And the Twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, “It is not appropriate that we should neglect the word of God to serve tables.
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint over this necessary task.
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
And the statement pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of trust and of holy spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
They had them stand before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Is Seized
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the People.
But some of those who were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and the province of Asia, rose up and began disputing with Stephen.
And they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.
Then they secretly persuaded men, who said, “We have heard him speak defaming accusations against Moses, and against God.”
And they stirred up the People, and the elders, and the experts in the law, and came up to him and seized him, and brought him to the Sanhedrin,
and set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak words against this Holy Place, and the law,
for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this Place, and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
And all who sat in the Sanhedrin, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like the face of an angel.