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

⁷ So the word of God spread.^(F) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,^(G) 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^(H) among the people. ⁹ Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene^(I) and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia^(J) and Asia^(K)—who began to argue with Stephen.

⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”^(A)

The Church in Antioch

¹⁹ Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed^(A) traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch,^(B) spreading the word only among Jews.

²⁰ And when the blood of your martyr^[a] Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’^(A)