1
Now in these days when the disciples are multiplying, there arose a grumbling of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.
2
So the Twelve, word-definition " data-lexid="296374">having called near the word-definition " data-lexid="296375">multitude of
the disciples,
word-definition " data-lexid="296377"> said, It is not desirable
for us,
word-definition " data-lexid="296379">having neglected
the word of God,
word-definition " data-lexid="296382">to attend
word-definition " data-lexid="296383">tables.
3
Therefore brothers, select out from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task.
4
And we will steadfastly continue in prayer and the ministry of the word.
5
And the statement was pleasing before 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 of Antioch, a convert,
6
whom they set before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid the hands on them.
7
And the word word-definition symbolism" data-lexid="296430">of God continued to increase,
and the word-definition " data-lexid="296432">number of
the word-definition " data-lexid="296433">disciples in
word-definition " data-lexid="296436">Jerusalem
word-definition " data-lexid="296434">was multiplied exceedingly,
and word-definition " data-lexid="296437">a great
word-definition " data-lexid="296438">multitude of
the word-definition " data-lexid="296439">priests
word-definition " data-lexid="296440">were becoming obedient to
the faith.
8
Now Stephen, full grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
9
But certain of those from the synagogue called Freedmen, including Cyrenians and Alexandrians and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose, disputing with Stephen.
10
And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.
11
Then they suborned men, saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.
12
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes; and having come upon him, they seized him and brought him to the Council.
13
And they set false witnesses, saying, This man does not stop speaking words against this holy place and the Law.
14
For we have heard him saying that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.
15
And having looked intently on him, all sitting in the Council saw his face as the face of an angel.