6 At that time, when the number of disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose among the Greek-speaking believers against the Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the twelve Apostles summoned all the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to neglect the Gospel-word of God[784] in order to serve tables. 3 So select from among you, brothers, seven men with good reputations, full of the spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this work. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Gospel-word.”  5 These words pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.  6 They brought them before the Apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
    7 The Gospel-word of God kept spreading and the number of disciples greatly increased in Jerusalem. Many of the priests became obedient to the faith.  8 Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.  9 But some from what was known as the synagogue of the freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and the province of Asia, started to dispute with Stephen. 10 They were unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.  11 Then they secretly induced some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”  12 They stirred up the people, the elders and the religious teachers, and they came and seized Stephen, and brought him before the council, the Sanhedrin.  13 They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law.  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.”  15 All those sitting in the council fixed their eyes on Stephen, and saw his face as if it were the face of an angel.