Seven Chosen to Serve
NOW in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said: “It is not proper that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
3 Therefore brothers, carefully select from among you seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this needed task.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
5 ¶ And the statement 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 Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch;
6 Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
8 ¶ Now Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
9 And there arose certain men of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Freedmen; and Cyrenians; and Alexandrians; and of those of Cilicia and of the province of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men, which said: “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 came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council;
13 And set up false witnesses, who said: “This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law;
14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw that his face were as the face of an angel.