The Choosing of the Seven

¹ In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble^* against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution ^* of food.^*

² So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.^{* 3} Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility^* to them ⁴ and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.⁶ They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷ So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Arrest of Stephen

⁸ Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen, ¹⁰ but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

¹¹ Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”

¹² So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,¹³ where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. ¹⁴ For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

¹⁵ All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.