1
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
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Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
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Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
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but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
5
And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
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whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
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Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
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And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
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Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.
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And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
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Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."
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And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
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They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
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for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us."
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And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.