from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit
and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will
continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”
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 whom they set before the apostles.
When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 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.
8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs
among the people. 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. 10 They weren’t able to
withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by 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, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the
council, 13 and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops
speaking blasphemous 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
will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 All who sat in
the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face
of an angel.
World English Bible - Public Domain