The Choosing of the Seven
(1 Timothy 3:8–13)

1Now in those days, as the number of disciples increased, there rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2So the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, It is not seemly that we should leave the word of God and attend at tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look out from among you seven men of good character, full of the holy Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this matter: 4but we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the advice pleased the whole 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 Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.

7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great number of the priests became obedient to the faith.

The Arrest of Stephen

8Now Stephen being full of grace and power, wrought miracles and great signs among the people. 9But there rose up some of the synagogue, which is called that of the libertines, and some of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia, and Asia, to dispute with Stephen: 10and they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake. 11Then they suborned men to say, we heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. 12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, and forced him along with them, and brought him to the council: 13and they set up false witnesses; who said, This man is continually speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and change the rites which Moses delivered to us. 15(And all that were sitting in the council, looking stedfastly at him, saw his face like the face of an angel.)