d drew away people after him; and he was destroyed, and all who
obeyed him were dispersed. [5:38]And now I tell you, abstain from these
men, and let them alone; because if this design, or this work, is from
men, it will be destroyed; [5:39]but if it is from God, you cannot
destroy them; lest you be found at some time to be fighting against
God. [5:40]And they were persuaded by him, and calling the apostles and
scourging them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus,
and dismissed them. [5:41]They went therefore from the presence of the
Sanhedrim, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer shame
for the name of [Christ]; [5:42]and every day in the temple, and from
house to house, they ceased not teaching and preaching the good news of
Christ Jesus.

CHAPTER V.

THE APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN DEACONS, THE SERMON AND MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN,
AND A GENERAL PERSECUTION.

1 [6:1]AND in those days the disciples being multiplied, there was a
complaint of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, that their widows were
neglected in the daily service. [6:2]And the twelve calling the
multitude of the disciples, said, It is not desirable that we should
leave the word of God to serve tables. [6:3]Look out therefore,
brothers, from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Holy
Spirit, and of wisdom, whom we may set over this business; [6:4]but we
will attend continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word.

2 [6:5]And the proposition pleased all the multitude, and they elected
Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and
Prochorus, and Nicanor and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus a
proselyte of Antioch, [6:6]and set them before the Apostles; and they
having prayed imposed hands on them. [6:7]And the word of God
increased, and the number of the disciples was greatly multiplied at
Jerusalem, and a great multitude of the priests obeyed the faith.

3 [6:8]And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed prodigies and
great miracles among the people. [6:9]But some members of the synagogue
called that of the Libertines and Cyrenians and Alexandrians and of
those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen, [6:10]and
were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke.
[6:11]Then they bribed men who said, We heard him speak blasphemous
words against Moses and God. [6:12]And they stirred up both the people,
and the elders, and the scribes, and coming suddenly they seiz