1And in those days, as the number of the disciples was increasing, the Grecians (Hellenistic Jews) among them complained to the Hebraic Hebrews, that their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food and necessities. 2So then the twelve called a meeting of the believers, and said, “It is not right for us to leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Therefore, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to whom we may give this responsibility. 4But we will continue to dedicate ourselves to prayer, and the ministry of the word.” 5And this idea pleased the whole assembly; and they chose: Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip; Prochorus; Nicanor; Timon; Parmenas; and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. 6And they presented them before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7And the word of God spread; and the number of the disciples greatly increased in Jerusalem; and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8And Stephen, a man full of God’s grace, faith, and power, performed great wonders and miracles among the people. 9Then there arose opposition from some in the synagogue, who were called the Synagogue of the Libertines – jews of Cyrene and Alexandria, of Cilicia and of Asia; and they disputed with Stephen. 10But they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11Then they persuaded some men to lie and say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.” 12And so they stirred up the people, elders, and the scribes, and seized Stephen, and brought him before the Sanhedrin council, 13And they presented false witnesses, who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy Temple, and the law; 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this Temple, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15And all that sat in the council looked intently at Stephen, and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.