¹Now 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 .[#6:1 The Hellenists used Greek language and culture, even though they were also of Hebrew descent.]

²The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said , “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables .

³Therefore , select from amongst you , brothers, seven men of good report , full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom , whom we may appoint over this business .

⁴But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word .”

⁵These 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,

⁶whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed , they laid their hands on them .

⁷The 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 .

⁸Stephen , full of faith and power , performed great wonders and signs amongst the people .

⁹But 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 .

¹⁰They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke .

¹¹Then they secretly induced men to say , “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God .”

¹²They stirred up the people , the elders , and the scribes , and came against him and seized him , then brought him in to the council ,

¹³and set up false witnesses who said , “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law .

¹⁴For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place , and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us .”

¹⁵All who sat in the council , fastening their eyes on him , saw his face like it was the face of an angel.