1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists 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 God 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 God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. 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 Libertines”, 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 Moses and God.” 12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, then 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 law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses 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.

Place

Antioch (Syria)

Type: City
Location: 36.201, 36.165

Antioch

Site Study | Hershel Wayne House

Antioch of Syria was one of, if not the most important center of early Christianity. It was the first city where there was a large Gentile conversion to Christ, the first place followers of Jesus were called Christians (Acts 11:26) and was a headquarters of missionary activity.

At the time of the New Testament, Antioch was the capital of the Roman province of Syria, and a large, metropolitan city. At the time it was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with as many as between 200,000 and 800,000 residents. Due to its support of the Romans, Antioch enjoyed semi-autonomy and the financing of several important public buildings by the Caesars. Herod the Great also supported the construction of several monuments and public buildings.

Although archaeological exploration has been limited in the city, excavators have found the remains of a hippodrome and water works. Over twenty churches still stand or have been uncovered in Antioch, including a church built into a cave, dedicated to Peter, whom tradition says taught there.

Person & place data: Theographic Bible Metadata by Robert Rouse (Viz.Bible), CC BY-SA 4.0.