1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected in the daily ministry. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said, It is not right that we should leave the word of God and serve tables; 3 therefore, brethren, seek out among you seven men of whom you bear witness, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 And 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 of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch: 6 these they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and also a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles in the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians and Alexandrians and of those of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes and came upon him and caught him and brought him to the council 13 and 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 shall destroy this place and shall change the traditions which Moses delivered us. 15 Then all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as the face of an angel.