Acts 6
1
Now in those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint
from the Greek speaking Jews against the Aramaic speaking Jews, because their widows
were being overlooked in the daily distribution.
2
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not pleasing
to us that we should forsake the word of God to serve tables.
3
Therefore, brothers, select seven men from among you, of good reputation, full of
the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint for this need.
4
But we will faithfully engage in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
5
And the word was pleasing before all the congregation, and they chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands
on them.
7
And the word of God was growing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was
being multiplied exceedingly, and a great many of the priests were obeying the faith.
8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, was performing great wonders and signs among
the people.
9
But there arose some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, both
of the Cyrenians and the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, debating
with Stephen.
10
And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.
11
Then they secretly instigated men to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous
words against Moses and God."
12
And they aroused the people and the elders and the scribes; and coming upon him, they
seized him, and led him to the council.
13
And they put forward false witnesses saying, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous
words against this holy place and the law;
14
for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and change
the customs which Moses handed down to us."
15
And looking intently at him, all those who sat in the council saw that his face was
like[ ]the face of an angel.