1But, in these days, the disciples, multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, in that, their widows, were being overlooked in the daily ministry.
2And the Twelve, calling near the throng of the disciples, said—It doth not seem, right, that, we, forsaking the word of God, should be ministering unto tables.
3But look out for yourselves, brethren, seven men from among you, who can be well-attested, full of Spirit and wisdom,—whom we will appoint over this need;
4But, we, unto prayer and unto the ministry of the word, will give constant attention.
5And the word was pleasing in the sight of all the throng; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicholaus, a proselyte of Antioch;
6Whom they set before the Apostles, and, praying, they laid upon them their hands.
7And, the word of God, went on growing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem continued to multiply exceedingly; a great multitude of the priests also, were becoming obedient unto the faith.
8Now, Stephen, full of favour and power, began to do great wonders and signs among the people.
9But there rose up certain of those out of the synagogue which is called [the synagogue] of them of Libertium and Cyrene and Alexandria, and certain of them from Cilicia and Asia,—disputing with Stephen;
10And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking,
11Then, they set on men who were saying—We have heard him speaking profane things against Moses and God.
12And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes; and, coming upon him, they caught him away, and led him into the high-council.
13And they set up false witnesses, who said—This man, ceaseth not speaking things against this holy place and the law;
14For we have heard him saying—This Jesus the Nazarene, will overthrow this place, and will change the customs which, Moses, delivered unto us.
15And, looking steadfastly at him, all they who were sitting in the high-council, saw his face, as if the face of a messenger;