Actuum Apostolorum 6

1 In diebus illis, crescente numero discipulorum, factum est murmur Græcorum adversus Hebræos, eo quod despicerentur in ministerio quotidiano viduæ eorum.

Now in these days while the number of the disciples was multiplying, the Grecian Jews began to murmur against the Hebrews, because their widows were habitually overlooked in the distribution of alms.

2 Convocantes autem duodecim multitudinem discipulorum dixerunt: Non est æquum nos derelinquere verbum Dei, et ministrare mensis.

Then the Twelve called the general body of the disciples together, and said to them. "It is not fitting for us to leave off preaching the Word of God, and minister at tables.

3 Considerate ergo fratres, viros ex vobis boni testimonii septem, plenos Spiritu sancto, et sapientia, quos constituamus super hoc opus.

"So, brothers, find from among your own number seven men of good reputation who are full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them over this business.

4 Nos vero orationi, et ministerio verbi instantes erimus.

"But we will give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."

5 Et placuit sermo coram omni multitudine. Et elegerunt Stephanum, virum plenum fide, et Spiritu sancto, et Philippum, et Prochorum, et Nicanorem, et Timonem, et Parmenam, et Nicolaum advenam Antiochenum.

This plan commended itself to the whole body, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.

6 Hos statuerunt ante conspectum Apostolorum: et orantes imposuerunt eis manus.

These men they presented to the apostles who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.

7 Et verbum Domini crescebat, et multiplicabatur numerus discipulorum in Ierusalem valde: multa etiam turba sacerdotum obediebat fidei.

And the word of the Lord continued to spread; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was increasing exceedingly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Stephanus autem plenus gratia, et fortitudine faciebat prodigia, et signa magna in populo.

Meanwhile Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.

9 Surrexerunt autem quidam de synagoga, quæ appellatur Libertinorum, et Cyrenensium, et Alexandrinorum, et eorum qui erant a Cilicia, et Asia, disputantes cum Stephano:

But certain men from the so-called "Synagogue of the Freedmen" and certain Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, Cilicians, and men from Roman Asia, started to dispute with Stephen,

10 et non poterant resistere sapientiæ, et Spiritui, qui loquebatur.

but were unable to withstand the wisdom and spirit with which he used to speak.

11 Tunc summiserunt viros, qui dicerent se audivisse eum dicentem verba blasphemiæ in Moysen, et in Deum.

Then they instigated some to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemy against Moses and against God;" and in this way they excited the people.

12 Commoverunt itaque plebem, et seniores, et Scribas: et concurrentes rapuerunt eum, et adduxerunt in concilium,

The elders and the scribes rushed upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the Sanhedrin.

13 et statuerunt falsos testes, qui dicerent: Homo iste non cessat loqui verba adversus locum sanctum, et legem.

They also set up false witnesses who testified. "This fellow is continually talking against the Holy Place and against the law.

14 audivimus enim eum dicentem: quoniam Iesus Nazarenus hic, destruet locum istum, et mutabit traditiones, quas tradidit nobis Moyses.

"For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which were handed down to us by Moses."

15 Et intuentes eum omnes, qui sedebant in concilio, viderunt faciem eius tamquam faciem Angeli.

Then all who were sitting in the council at once fixed their eyes upon him, and saw his face like the face of an angel.