Who Was Stephen, the First Christian Martyr — In Biblical Context
Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the early church and the first Christian to be martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.
Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the early church and the first Christian to be martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ.
"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." — Acts 6:8 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Stephen first appears in Acts 6 as a man 'full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,' chosen as one of seven deacons to oversee the daily distribution to widows so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. But Stephen was more than an administrator — he did great wonders and miracles, and his preaching could not be answered by his opponents. Brought before the Sanhedrin on false charges, Stephen delivered a magnificent sermon tracing God's dealings with Israel from Abraham to Solomon and concluding with a piercing indictment of the council for resisting the Holy Spirit and killing the Just One. Enraged, they dragged him outside the city and stoned him. As the stones fell, Stephen saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. His final words echoed his Master's: 'Lord, lay not this sin to their charge' (Acts 7:60). A young man named Saul stood watching, holding the witnesses' coats — soon to be transformed into the apostle Paul.
Where It Sits in Scripture
Supporting Passages
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
"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."
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