Acts 6

1In those days, as the disciples were increasing, grumbling arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily service.

2The twelve summoned the multitude of disciples and said, "It is not proper for us to forsake God's word to serve tables."

3Brothers, select seven men from among you who are well attested, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task.

4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.

5And the proposal pleased the entire multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.

6They presented them before the apostles and, after praying, laid hands on them.

7The word of God grew, and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; even a great crowd of priests obeyed the faith.

8Stephen, filled with grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

9But certain ones from the synagogue called that of the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia arose disputing with Stephen.

10And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

11Then they instigated men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

12They incited the people, the elders, and the scribes, rushed upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council.

13They set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place and the law."

14For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs Moses delivered to us.

15And all who sat in the council, gazing intently at him, saw his face like the face of an angel.