These verses give background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
# Now Stephen
This introduces Stephen as the main character in this part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
# Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing
The words "grace" and "power" here refer to power from God. This could be stated explicitly. AT: "God was giving Stephen power to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
# synagogue of the Freedmen
"Freedmen" were probably ex-slaves from these different locations. It is unclear if the other people listed were part of the synagogue or just participated in the debate with Stephen.