Stephen

Stephen was among the seven men chosen by the early church to oversee the daily distribution of food to widows, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the word. The qualifications were high: men "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." Stephen was additionally described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost."

Beyond administrative service, Stephen "did great wonders and miracles among the people." His powerful teaching drew opposition from various synagogues, but "they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." Unable to defeat him in debate, his enemies arranged false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy.

Brought before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivered a lengthy sermon recounting Israel's history of rejecting God's messengers—from Joseph to Moses to the prophets—culminating in their betrayal and murder of the Righteous One. As he spoke, those watching saw "his face as it had been the face of an angel."

Stephen's accusation enraged the council. But looking up, he saw "the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." When he declared this vision, they rushed him, cast him out of the city, and stoned him. Stephen's final prayers echoed Jesus: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" and "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." A young man named Saul watched approvingly—later becoming the apostle Paul.