Acts 6

1 And in those days, when the disciples had become numerous, the Grecian disciples murmured against the Hebrew, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration to the needy.

2 And the twelve legates convoked the whole company of the disciples, and said to them: It is not proper, that we should neglect the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Therefore brethren, search out, and elect from among you, seven men of whom there is good testimony, men full of the Spirit of the Lord, and of wisdom; that we may place them over this business:

4 and we will continue in prayer, and in the ministration of the word.

5 And this proposal was acceptable before all the people. And they elected Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas an Antiochian proselyte.

6 These stood before the legates; and when they had prayed, they laid the hand on them.

7 And the word of God increased, and the number of disciples was enlarged at Jerusalem greatly; and many people from among the Jews, were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen was full of grace and energy; and he wrought signs and prodigies among the people.

9 And there rose up some of the synagogue which is called that of the freed men, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and persons from Cilicia and from Asia; and they disputed with Stephen.

10 And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit that spoke by him.

11 Then they sent men, and instructed them to say: We have heard him speak words of blasphemy, against Moses and against God.

12 And they excited the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes; and they came, and rose upon him, and seized him, and carried him into the midst of the council.

13 And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man ceaseth not to utter words contrary to the law, and against this holy place.

14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus the Nazarean will destroy this place, and will change the rites which Moses delivered to you.

15 And all they who were sitting in the council looked upon him, and they beheld his face, as the face of an angel.