1 Now, in these days, the number of the disciples being multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists that is, Jews who used the Greek language against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations.

2 And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples together, said, It is by no means agreeable, that we should leave the word of God to attend tables;

3 therefore, brethren, look out from among yourselves seven men of an attested character, full of spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this business;

4 we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5 And the speech was pleasing to all the multitude, and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte of Antioch;

6 whom they presented before the Apostles; and they, having prayed, laid hands on them.

7 And the word of God grew; and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great multitude of the priests became obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought many miracles, and great signs among the people.

9 Then there arose some of the synagogue, which is called that of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke.

11 Then they suborned men to say, We heard him speak reproachful words against Moses, and against God.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and setting upon him, they dragged him away with them, and brought him to the Sanhedrim.

13 And they set up false witnesses, who said, This man is incessantly speaking 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 its customs, which Moses delivered to us.

15 And all that sat in the Sanhedrim, fixing their eyes upon him, saw his countenance like the countenance of an angel.