1DURING THIS PERIOD, when disciples were growing in number, there was disagreement between those of them who spoke Greek and those who spoke the language of the Jews. The former party complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2So the Twelve called the whole body of disciples together and said, 'It would be a grave mistake for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait at table. 3Therefore, friends, look out seven men of good reputation from your number, men full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to deal with these matters, 4while we devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.' 5This proposal proved acceptable to the whole body. They elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch, a former convert to Judaism. 6These they presented to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7The word of God now spread more and more widely; the number of disciples in Jerusalem went on increasing rapidly, and very many of the priests adhered to the Faith.
8Stephen, who was full of grace and power, began to work great miracles and signs among the people. 9But some members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, comprising Cyrenians and Alexandrians and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and argued with Stephen, 10but could not hold their own against the inspired wisdom with which he spoke. 11They then put up men who alleged that they had heard him make blasphemous statements against Moses and against God. 12They stirred up the people and the elders and doctors of the law, set upon him and seized him, and brought him before the Council. 13They produced false witnesses who said, 'This man is for ever saying things against this holy place and against the Law. 14For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and alter the customs handed down to us by Moses.' 15And all who were sitting in the Council fixed their eyes on him, and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.
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