Montgomery - Acts - 6

6:1  Now in these days while the number of the disciples was multiplying, the Grecian Jews began to murmur against the Hebrews, because their widows were habitually overlooked in the distribution of alms.

6:2  Then the Twelve called the general body of the disciples together, and said to them. "It is not fitting for us to leave off preaching the Word of God, and minister at tables.

6:3  "So, brothers, find from among your own number seven men of good reputation who are full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them over this business.

6:4  "But we will give ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."

6:5  This plan commended itself to the whole body, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.

6:6  These men they presented to the apostles who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.

6:7  And the word of the Lord continued to spread; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was increasing exceedingly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

6:8  Meanwhile Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.

6:9  But certain men from the so-called "Synagogue of the Freedmen" and certain Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, Cilicians, and men from Roman Asia, started to dispute with Stephen,

6:10  but were unable to withstand the wisdom and spirit with which he used to speak.

6:11  Then they instigated some to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemy against Moses and against God;" and in this way they excited the people.

6:12  The elders and the scribes rushed upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the Sanhedrin.

6:13  They also set up false witnesses who testified. "This fellow is continually talking against the Holy Place and against the law.

6:14  "For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which were handed down to us by Moses."

6:15  Then all who were sitting in the council at once fixed their eyes upon him, and saw his face like the face of an angel.