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¹ But in those days, the disciples having multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists toward the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving.² And having called near the multitude of the disciples, the Twelve said, It is not pleasing to us, having left the Word of God, to serve tables!³ Then brothers, be looking for men among you receiving testimony, seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this need.⁴ But we shall continue steadfast in prayer and the service of the Word!⁵ And the saying was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose out Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,⁶ each of whom they made stand before the apostles. And having prayed, they placed their hands on them.⁷ And the Word of God was increasing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplying exceedingly. Even a great crowd of the priests were attending to the faith!

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, was doing wonders and great signs among the people.⁹ But some of those of the synagogue called Libertines, rose up, also some Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some of those from Cilicia and Asia Minor, disputing with Stephen.¹⁰ And they had no strength to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.¹¹ Then they induced some men to be saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!¹² And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes. And coming on, they together seized him and led him into the sanhedrin.¹³ And they stood up false witnesses, who were saying, This man does not cease speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the Law;¹⁴ for we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and will change the customs which Moses delivered over to us.¹⁵ And having looked intently at him, all those having sat in the sanhedrin, saw his face as if it were the face of an angel.