⁶ These men were presented to the apostles, who then prayed for them and commissioned them by laying their hands on them. ⁷ The message of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples continued to increase significantly there in Jerusalem. Even priests in large numbers became obedient to the faith.

⁸ Stephen continually overflowed with extraordinary grace and power, and he was able to perform a number of miraculous signs and wonders in public view.