1: And in those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. |
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2: Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and
said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
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3:
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. |
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4: But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry
of the word. |
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5: And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor,
and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: |
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6: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid
their hands on them. |
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7:
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were
obedient to the faith. |
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8: And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people. |
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9: Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the
synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of
Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. |
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10: And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which
he spake. |
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11: Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. |
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12: And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and
came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, |
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13: And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: |
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14: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. |
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15: And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his
face as it had been the face of an angel. |