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The Choosing of the Seven

(1 Timothy 3:8-13)

¹ In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews^(a) 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 appoint this responsibility to them⁴ and devote ourselves to prayer and 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 began to argue 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 and elders and scribes. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.¹³ 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.