1And in those days, when the disciples had become numerous, the Grecian disciples murmured against the Hebrew, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration to the needy. 2And the twelve legates convoked the whole company of the disciples, and said to them: It is not proper, that we should neglect the word of God, and serve tables. 3Therefore brethren, search out, and elect from among you, seven men of whom there is good testimony, men full of the Spirit of the Lord, and of wisdom; that we may place them over this business: 4and we will continue in prayer, and in the ministration of the word. 5And this proposal was acceptable before all the people. And they elected Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas an Antiochian proselyte. 6These stood before the legates; and when they had prayed, they laid the hand on them. 7And the word of God increased, and the number of disciples was enlarged at Jerusalem greatly; and many people from among the Jews, were obedient to the faith. 8And Stephen was full of grace and energy; and he wrought signs and prodigies among the people. 9And there rose up some of the synagogue which is called that of the freed men, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and persons from Cilicia and from Asia; and they disputed with Stephen. 10And they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit that spoke by him. 11Then they sent men, and instructed them to say: We have heard him speak words of blasphemy, against Moses and against God. 12And they excited the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes; and they came, and rose upon him, and seized him, and carried him into the midst of the council. 13And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man ceaseth not to utter words contrary to the law, and against this holy place. 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus the Nazarean will destroy this place, and will change the rites which Moses delivered to you. 15And all they who were sitting in the council looked upon him, and they beheld his face, as the face of an angel.