1 The number of disciples increased at that time. A murmuring arose on the part of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

2 The twelve called the congregation of the disciples to them. They said: »It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God and serve tables.

3 »Therefore brothers select seven men who have a good reputation. Men who are full of spirit and wisdom that we may appoint to take care of this business.

4 »We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.«

5 The idea pleased the whole congregation. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch,

6 whom they set before the apostles. After they prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God increased. The number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. Even a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 Certain men arose from the synagogue. It was called the synagogue of the Libertines, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians. Some of them were from Cilicia and Asia. They argued with Stephen.

10 They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.

11 They secretly induced me to say: »We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.«

12 They stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and pursued him. They caught him and brought him to the council.

13 They brought false witnesses, which said: »This man will not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

14 »We heard him say: ‘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 intently at him and saw his face was like the face of an angel.