But the priests and the scribes laid hands on the apostles and took them before the council. And they threatened them to preach no more in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered: Judge ye whether it be right to hearken unto you rather than unto God. Afterward they concluded to kill the apostles; but Gamaliel, a Pharisee, who was held in honor of all the people, arose and said unto them: Refrain from these men, and let them alone: For if this counsel be of men, it will be overthrown: but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them. To him they agreed, yet beat they the apostles, and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus. And the apostles departed from the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name; and they ceased not to preach Jesus Christ. (Acts 3-5.) 101. Stephen When the congregation increased the apostles said: Choose seven men as overseers for the poor, for it is not fit that we should forsake the Word of God and serve tables. And the congregation chose Stephen and six others; and the apostles prayed and laid their hands on them.--Stephen was full of faith and power and wrought great wonders among the people. And certain scribes arose and disputed with Stephen. And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. Then they seized him and brought him before the council, and they suborned false witnesses, who said: We have heard him speak blasphemous words against the temple and against Moses. Stephen made a speech and showed that the Jews had always resisted God. When they heard this, they were enraged; but Stephen looked steadfastly up into heaven and said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. But they rushed upon him and cast him out of the city and stoned him. But Stephen prayed: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Those who stoned Stephen laid down their garments at the feet of a young Pharisee named Saul. And Saul was consenting unto his death. (Acts 6-7.) Stephen is the first Christian martyr; martyrs, that is, witnesses, are those who suffer death for the sake of Christ. 102. Cornelius Our Savior had said: Go and make disciples of all nations. Still the apostles from the beginning preached only to the Jews; for it was not yet clear to them that heathens had the same access to the kingdom of God as the Jews.