24. And it was not in the Twelve Apostles
only that the grace of the Holy Spirit wrought, but also in the
first-born children of this once barren Church, I mean the seven
Deacons; for these also were chosen, as it is written, being full of
the Holy Ghost and of wisdom Ib. vi.
3.. Of whom
Stephen, rightly so named Ib. v.
8. Στέφανος,
“a crown.”, the first fruits
of the Martyrs, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, wrought
great wonders and miracles among the people, and vanquished those
who disputed with him; for they were not able to resist the wisdom
and the Spirit by which he spake Ib. v.
10.. But
when he was maliciously accused and brought to the judgment hall, he
was radiant with angelic brightness; for all they who sat in the
council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face, as it had been the
face of an Angel Ib. v.
15.. And having
by his wise defence confuted the Jews, those stiffnecked men,
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ever resisting the Holy
Ghost Ib. vii.
51., he beheld the
heavens opened, and saw the Son of Man standing on the right
hand of God. He saw Him, not by his own power, but, as the
Divine Scripture says, being full of the Holy Ghost, he looked up
steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing
on the right hand of God Ib. v.
55..