1Now in these days , when the number of the disciples was multiplying , there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews , because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration . 2And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them , and said , It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God , and serve tables . 3Look ye out therefore , brethren , from among you seven men of good report , full of the Spirit and of wisdom , whom we may appoint over this business . 4But we will continue stedfastly in prayer , and in the ministry of the word . 5And the saying pleased 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 Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch; 6whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed , they laid their hands upon them . 7And the word of God increased ; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly ; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith .
The Ministry of Stephen
8And Stephen , full of grace and power , wrought great wonders and signs among the people . 9But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines , and of the Cyrenians , and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia , disputing with Stephen . 10And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake . 11Then they suborned men , who said , We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses , and against God . 12And they stirred up the people , and the elders , and the scribes , and came upon him , and seized him , and brought him into the council , 13and set up false witnesses , who said , This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place , and the law : 14for we have heard him say , that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place , and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us . 15And all that sat in the council , fastening their eyes on him , saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.