³ Brothers and sisters,^(A) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit^(B) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them^{(C) 4} and will give our attention to prayer^(D) and the ministry of the word.”

⁵ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,^(E) a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;^(F) also Philip,^(G) Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶ They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed^(H) and laid their hands on them.^(I)

⁷ So the word of God spread.^(J) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^(K) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

⁸ Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs^(L) among the people.

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked people!^(A) Your hearts^(B) and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute?^(C) They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him^(D)— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels^(E) but have not obeyed it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious^(F) and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit,^(G) looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.^{(H) 56} “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open^(I) and the Son of Man^(J) standing at the right hand of God.”

⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, ⁵⁸ dragged him out of the city^(K) and began to stone him.^(L) Meanwhile, the witnesses^(M) laid their coats^(N) at the feet of a young man named Saul.^(O)

⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”^{(P) 60} Then he fell on his knees^(Q) and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”^(R) When he had said this, he fell asleep.^(S)

8 And Saul^(T) approved of their killing him.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered^(U) throughout Judea and Samaria.^(V)