Acts 6

6 ¹ In these days, as the disciples were increasing in number, the Greek-speaking Jews raised a complaint against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ^a a v1 The "Greek-speaking Jews" were not Gentiles but Jewish believers whose first language and culture were Greek rather than Aramaic — a difference that bred the neglect described here. ² So the Twelve called all the disciples together and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the word of our Father to wait on tables." ³ Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint to this responsibility. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

⁵ This proposal pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch. ⁶ They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷ And the word of our Father kept spreading, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized by His Enemies

⁸ Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ But some men rose up from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen — Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia — and began to argue with Stephen. ¹⁰ Yet they could not stand up against the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. ¹¹ Then they secretly persuaded men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against our Father." ¹² They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council. ¹³ They put forward false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking words against this 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 that Moses handed down to us." ¹⁵ And everyone sitting in the council fixed their eyes on him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.