1 In those days, as the disciples increased in number, the Greek-speaking Jews raised a complaint against the Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 The twelve called the whole body of disciples together and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at tables. 3 So, brothers and sisters, choose from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint to this task. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The proposal pleased the whole gathering. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert to Judaism from Antioch. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God continued to grow, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly. A large number of priests also became obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some from the synagogue called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, along with Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and debated with Stephen. 10 They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, came upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13 They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against the holy place and the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” 15 All who sat in the council looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.