Now Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”
but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.
All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task,
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
But he, filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. The Mystery of Our Religion.