Chapter 6
1 Now in those days , when the number of the disciples was multiplying , a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews , because their widows were neglected in the daily service .
2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said , " It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables .
3 Therefore , select from among you , brothers, seven men of good report , full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom , whom we may appoint over this business .
4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word ."
5 These words pleased the whole multitude . They chose Stephen , a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit , Philip , Prochorus , Nicanor , Timon , Parmenas , and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed , they laid their hands on them .
7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem . A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith .
8 Stephen , full of faith and power , performed great wonders and signs among the people .
9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called " The Libertines ", and of the Cyrenians , of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen .
10 They weren’ t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke .
11 Then they secretly induced men to say , " We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God ."
12 They stirred up the people , the elders , and the scribes , and came against him and seized him , then brought him in to the council ,
13 and set up false witnesses who said , " This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law .
14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place , and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us ."
15 All who sat in the council , fastening their eyes on him , saw his face like it was the face of an angel.