Who Was Stephen in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Stephen holds the solemn distinction of being the first believer to die for Jesus Christ, and his martyrdom marks a pivotal turning point in church history. He was one of the seven men chosen to serve as deacons when the Greek-speaking widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The apostles laid out the requirements: men 'of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.' Stephen exceeded these qualifications. Luke describes him as 'a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,' and later as 'full of grace and power,' who 'did great wonders and miracles among the people.' His ministry attracted opposition from members of the synagogue of the Freedmen, who argued with him but 'were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.' These enemies secretly induced men to accuse Stephen of speaking blasphemous words against Moses, God, and the temple. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, and false witnesses testified that he said Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs Moses delivered. Stephen's defense was not a plea for his life but a sweeping survey of Israel's history that indicted his accusers. He traced God's dealings with Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David, demonstrating that God's presence had never been confined to a single place and that Israel had repeatedly rejected the deliverers God sent. His sermon climaxed with a direct accusation: 'Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.' The Sanhedrin was cut to the heart, 'and they gnashed on him with their teeth.' Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision — Jesus standing rather than sitting, as if to welcome His servant home — is unique in the New Testament. As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,' and fell to his knees, crying, 'Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.' Among those consenting to his death was a young man named Saul. Stephen's martyrdom scattered the church, and 'they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.' His death was not defeat but the catalyst for the gospel's expansion to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages