The Seven Chosen to Serve

(1 Timothy 3:8-13)

1But in those days, the disciples multiplying in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were overlooked in the daily ministration. 2And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples to [them], said, It is not right that we, leaving the word of God, should serve tables. 3Look out therefore, brethren, from among yourselves seven men, well reported of, full of [the] [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we will establish over this business: 4but we will give ourselves up to prayer and the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and [the] Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, 6whom they set before the apostles; and, having prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was very greatly multiplied, and a great crowd of the priests obeyed the faith.

Stephen Arrested

8And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought wonders and great signs among the people. 9And there arose up certain of those of the synagogue called of freedmen, and of Cyrenians, and of Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they suborned men, saying, We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. 12And they roused the people, and the elders, and the scribes. And coming upon [him] they seized him and brought [him] to the council. 13And they set false witnesses, saying, This man does not cease speaking words against the holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him saying, This Jesus the Nazaraean shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses taught us. 15And all who sat in the council, looking fixedly on him, saw his face as [the] face of an angel.