The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 6
{6:1} Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplying, a complaint arose from the [1>]Hellenists[<1] against the
Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
{6:2} 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.
{6:3} 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. {6:4} But we will continue steadfastly in prayer
and in the ministry of the word."
{6:5} 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; {6:6} whom they
set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands
on them. {6:7} 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.
{6:8} Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and
signs among the people. {6:9} 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. {6:10} They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the
Spirit by which he spoke. {6:11} Then they secretly induced men to
say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and
God." {6:12} They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes,
and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the
council, {6:13} and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never
stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
{6:14} 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." {6:15} 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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Footnotes:
[1] {6:1} The Hellenists used Greek language and culture, even though
they were also of Hebrew descent.
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