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¹ At that time, as the number of the disciples was multiplied, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the distribution that was made daily. ² the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals. ³ wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair: ⁴ whilst we shall continue our applications to prayer, and to preaching. ⁵ this proposition pleased the whole assembly: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the holy spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. ⁶ these they presented to the apostles: who after prayer gave them imposition of hands. ⁷ thus the word of God was spread; and the number of disciples encreased very much at Jerusalem; and a numerous body of priests embrac'd the faith.

⁸ Now Stephen full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. ⁹ when some out of the several synagogues, belonging to the freed men, to the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and to those of Cilicia, and of Asia, came to dispute with Stephen. ¹⁰ but as they were not able to withstand the force of that sublime knowledge which appeared in his discourse, ¹¹ they suborned men, who said, we have heard him speak irreverently of Moses, and of God. ¹² and they stirred up the people, the senators, and the doctors of law, who came and seiz'd him, and brought him to the council, ¹³ where they produc'd false witnesses, who said, this man is continually inveighing against the holy place, and against the law. ¹⁴ for we have heard him say, that Jesus the Nazarene shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses delivered us. ¹⁵ and all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw an air of majesty in his aspect.