Acts 6

 

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a grumbling from the (Jewish) Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.

 

2 Then the twelve (apostles) called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, There is no reason that we should leave (the ministering of) the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore, brethren, select out from among yourselves seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will 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 of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a (Jewish) convert from 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 exceedingly multiplied in Jerusalem; and a great multitude of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power (from God), did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 However, there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Freedman, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke.

11 Then they, being suborned men, said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and they came on him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

13 And set up false witnesses, which 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 shall destroy this place (the temple) and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

15 And all who sat in the council, looking intently upon him, saw his face as if it had been the face of an angel.