- In those - days (when) the disciples were increasing in number , the Grecian (Jews among them) began to grumble against the Hebraic (Jews) because their - widows were being overlooked in the - daily distribution ( of food ).
So the Twelve summoned - all the disciples (and) said , “ It is vvv unacceptable (for) us to neglect the word - of God (in order) to wait on tables.
Therefore , brothers , select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of (the) Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this - - responsibility (to them)
and - will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. ”
- (This) proposal pleased ... the whole group. - They chose Stephen , a man full of faith and (of the) Holy Spirit , as well as Philip , - Prochorus , - Nicanor , - Timon , - Parmenas , and Nicolas from Antioch , a convert (to Judaism).
They presented (these seven) to the apostles , (who) prayed (and) laid (their) hands on them.
(So) the word - of God continued to spread. - The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly , and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Now Stephen , (who was) full of grace and power , was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
But resistance arose - - from what was called (the) Synagogue of the Freedmen , including Cyrenians , - Alexandrians , and men from (the provinces of) Cilicia and Asia. They began to argue with Stephen ,
(but) vvv they could not stand up to (his) wisdom (or) the Spirit by whom he spoke.
Then they prompted (some) men to say - , “ We heard (Stephen) speak words of blasphemy against Moses and - (against) God. ”
(So) they stirred up the people , - - elders , and - scribes and confronted (Stephen). They seized him and brought (him) before the Sanhedrin ,
(where) they presented false witnesses (who) said , “ This - man vvv never stops speaking ... against - this - holy place and (against) the law.
For we have heard him say that - Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this - place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us. ”
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin - looked intently at (Stephen) , (and) they saw that his - face (was) like (the) face of an angel.