Stephen in the Bible: The First Christian Martyr

Stephen, one of the seven deacons appointed by the early church, is a prominent New Testament figure, known as the first Christian martyr. Though specific details about his origins are limited, Stephen’s Greek name and service to the Hellenistic Jewish community suggest he was a Greek-speaking Jew, bridging both Jewish and Greek cultures. His life illustrates how God used individuals from diverse backgrounds to advance the Gospel, underscoring its universal nature.

Described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), Stephen’s deep conviction and spiritual power were evident in his actions, teachings, and miracles. His wisdom and grace were unmatched, and those who debated him “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him” (Acts 6:10).

However, Stephen’s ministry sparked hostility. Members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, unable to counter his wisdom, falsely accused him of blasphemy, leading to his trial before the Sanhedrin. There, Stephen delivered a profound speech (Acts 7), tracing Israel’s history and challenging his accusers’ resistance to God’s messengers. He recounted:

1. The Call of Abraham: God’s promise of land and descendants (Acts 7:2–8).
2. The Patriarchs and Joseph: Joseph’s suffering and God’s providence (Acts 7:9–16).
3. Moses and the Exodus: Israel’s repeated rejection of deliverance (Acts 7:17–43).
4. The Tabernacle and Temple: God’s presence beyond human-made structures (Acts 7:44–50).
5. A Bold Accusation: He accused the council of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying Jesus, the Righteous One (Acts 7:51–53).

This bold confrontation enraged the Sanhedrin. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven, seeing Jesus at God’s right hand. Declaring this vision, he was dragged out and stoned. His final prayers echoed Jesus on the cross: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60). With this, Stephen “fell asleep” in peace.

As Stephen died, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of Saul—later Paul—who approved of his execution. Stephen’s death left a profound mark on Saul, leading eventually to his transformation into the Apostle Paul, one of Christianity’s greatest advocates.

Stephen’s prayer of forgiveness exemplifies the Christian call to love one’s enemies and forgive those who persecute. Personally, Stephen’s charge to the Sanhedrin, coupled with Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:24), resonates deeply with me. Though it pains me to reflect on the Jewish rejection of Jesus, I stand firm in His boundless mercy and grace for all.

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