Chapter 6

  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a grumbling of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily service.  

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  The twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, 'It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.  

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  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.  

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

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  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;  

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

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  The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.  

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

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  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.  

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

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  Then they secretly induced men who said, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.'  

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

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

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  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.'  

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

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