1And in these days, the disciples multiplying, there arose a grumbling of the Hellenists (Grecian Jew, Greek speaking Jew) against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked (neglected) in the day by day ministry (diakonia). 2And the twelve called to the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not agreeable (pleasing, acceptable) for us to abandon (leave) the word of God to serve (minister) tables. 3Select therefore, brothers, seven men from out of yourselves being well attested (testified of), full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint over (upon) this necessity (business). 4And we will steadfastly continue (persist) in the prayer and the ministry of the word. 5And the word (statement) was pleasing in the sight of all the multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch, 6Whom they set in the sight of the apostles; and having prayed, they laid hands upon them.

7And the word of God increased and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great multitude of the priests were becoming compliant (hearkened, under hearing) to the faith.

8And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among (in) the people. 9However some of those from out of the synagogue arose called the Freedmen, and the Cyrenians, and the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia, and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to withstand (stand against) the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking. 11Then they secretly instigated men, saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against (unto) Moses and God. 12And they stirred up the people and the elders, and the scribes, and having come upon him, they seized (together raptured) him, and brought him unto the Council, 13They set false witnesses, saying, This man does not cease speaking sayings (words, rhemata) against this holy place and the law; 14For we have heard him saying, That this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us. 15And all sitting in the Council having looked fixedly unto him saw his face as it were the face of an angel.