Seven Chosen to Serve
1 Now in those days,whenthenumberofthe disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by theHellenists, because their widows were neglectedin the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren,seek out from among you seven men ofgoodreputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over thisbusiness;
4 but wewill give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen,a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, andPhilip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, andNicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; andwhen they had prayed,they laid hands on them.
7 Thenthe word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great manyof the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did greatwonders and signs among the people.
9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.
10 Andthey were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came uponhim,seized him, and broughthimto the council.
13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak 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 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.