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

1And in those days, the disciples multiplying, there was a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily service. 2And the twelve having called the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not pleasing for us, having left the word of God, to serve tables. 3Therefore, survey, brethren, seven men of you, being witnesses full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom ye shall set over this need. 4And we will persevere in prayer, and the service of the word. 5And the word pleased before all the multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the sent: and having prayed, they put hands upon them.

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

The Arrest of Stephen

8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9And certain of them arose from the synagogue, called Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrian, and of them from Cilicia and Asia, seeking out with Stephen. 10And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11Then they put under men, saying, That we have heard him speaking defaming words against Moses, and God. 12And they roused together the people, and elders, and scribes, and having stood against, they seized him, and brought to the council, 13And set false witnesses, saying, This man ceases not speaking defaming words against this holy place, and the law: 14For we have heard him saying; That Jesus the Nazarite shall abolish this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered to us. 15And all they sitting in the council, having looked intently upon him, saw his face as the face of a messenger.