This plan pleased everyone. They chose Stephen, a man who was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. They also chose Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, who was a convert to the Jewish faith.
Every day they continued to teach, both standing in the temple courtyards and going from house to house. They never stopped telling people the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Saul had agreed that Stephen should die. On that day an attack began against the church in Jerusalem. The believers, except for the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest point on earth.”