The Appointment of the Seven Deacons
1. Now at that time, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2. And the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to leave the word of God and serve tables.
3. Therefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this matter.
4. But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in 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, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
6. Whom they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
7. And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
The Arrest and Defence of Stephen
8. And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
9. But some of those from the synagogue called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.
10. And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11. Then they secretly instigated men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12. And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him, and brought him to the council.
13. And they set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place and the law,
14. for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15. And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
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