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And in those days, when the disciples had become numerous, the Grecian disciples murmured against the Hebrew, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration [fn] . ² And the twelve legates convoked the whole company of the disciples, and said to them: It is not proper, that we should neglect the word of God, and serve tables.³ Therefore brethren, search out, and elect from among you, seven men of whom there is good testimony, men full of the Spirit of the Lord, and of wisdom; that we may place them over this business:⁴ and we will continue in prayer, and in the ministration of the word.⁵ And this proposal was acceptable before all the people. And they elected Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas an Antiochian proselyte.⁶ These stood before the legates; and when they had prayed, they laid the hand on them.⁷ And the word of God increased, and the number of disciples was enlarged at Jerusalem greatly; and many people from among the Jews, were obedient to the faith.

⁸ And Stephen was full of grace and energy; and he wrought signs and prodigies among the people.⁹ And there rose up some of the synagogue which is called that of the freed men, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and persons from Cilicia and from Asia; and they disputed with Stephen.¹⁰ And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit that spoke by him.¹¹ Then they sent men, and instructed them to say: We have heard him speak words of blasphemy, against Moses and against God.¹² And they excited the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes; and they came, and rose upon him, and seized him, and carried him into the midst of the council.¹³ And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man ceaseth not to utter words contrary to the law, and against this holy place.¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus the Nazarean will destroy this place, and will change the rites which Moses delivered to you.¹⁵ And all they who were sitting in the council looked upon him, and they beheld his face, as the face of an angel.