Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of Allah and serve tables. 3Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.“
5These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7The word of Allah increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem very much. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Freedmen,“ and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Musa and Allah.“ 12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council, 13and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the Taurat. 14For we have heard him say that this ‘Isa the Nasrani[1] will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Musa delivered to us.“ 15All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
[1] 6:14 The Greek Injil says “Nazoraios,“ the meaning of which is connected with “Nazareth“ (see Matthew 2:23). Nazareth is an ancient city in the northern regions of Palestine.