1In those days as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the greeks against the ebrues, because their widows were despised in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to gether and said: it is not meet that we should leave the word of God and serve at the tables, 3wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, and full of the holy ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful business: 4but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude well. And they chose Stephen a man full of faith, and of the holy ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and Timon, and Permenas, and Nicholas a proselite of Antioch, 6which they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Ierusalem greatly. And a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8Stephen full of faith and power did great wonders, and miracles among the people. 9Then there arose certain of the Synagogue, which are called libertines, and Sirenens, and Alexandrians, and Cilicilians, and Asians, and disputed with Steven. 10And they could not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. 11Then sent they in men which said: we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God, 12and they moved the people, and the seniors, and the scribes: and they came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13and brought forth false witnesses which said: This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, 14for we heard him say: This Iesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave unto us. 15And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.