| In those days as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were despised in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: it is not *meet that we should leave the word of God and serve at the tables. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report and full of the holy ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministration of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Steven a man full of faith and of the holy ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Permenas, and Nicolas a convert of Antioch. Which they set before the Apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
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. And Steven full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the Synagogue which are called Libertines and Syrenites, and of Alexandria, and of Cilicia, and Asia, and disputed with Steven. And they could not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. Then sent they in men, which said: we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they moved the people and the elders and the scribes: and came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the council, and brought forth false witnesses which said. This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law: for we heard him say: this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave us. And all that sat in the council, looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an Angel. |
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