 1 In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose complaints+ from the Greeks against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution+. 2 Therefore the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: It is not reasonable+ that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore family+, select+ seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, from among you whom we may appoint over these needs+, 4 and we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. 5 The saying pleased the whole multitude. 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 convert+ from Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them to commission them. 7 The Word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem, and a great multitude+ of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles~ among the people. 9 Then there arose certain detractors from the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 They were not able to stand against+ the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 So they secretly induced+ men to say: We have heard Him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. 12 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 They set up false witnesses who said: This man does not stop+ speaking blasphemous 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 will change the customs that Moses delivered to us. 15 All who sat in the council looked steadfastly at him and saw his face become radiant as though it had become+ the face of an angel.
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