“1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve
called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not
reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this
business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the
ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and
they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and
Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas
a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when
they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. 7 And the word of God
increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem
greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
“8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and
miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue,
which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and
Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with
Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit
by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard
him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God. 12 And
they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came
upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council, 13 And set
up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have
heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and
shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15 And all that sat
in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been
the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:1-15 AV)
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