In those days, as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were despised in the daily ministration.

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.

Wherefore, 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:

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

And 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 Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas, a convert of Antioch,

but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the word."

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said, "It is not meet that we should leave the word of God and serve at the tables.

And they could not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake.

Then sent they in men which said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God,"

and they moved the people, and the elders, and the scribes: and they came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the council,

and brought forth false witnesses which said, "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law,

And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

for we heard him say, 'This Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave unto us.'"

Then there arose certain of the Synagogue, which are called Libertines, and Cyrenians, and of Alexandria, and of Cilicia, and of Asia: and disputed with Stephen.

which they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.