Bible Figure
Stephen
Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to serve the Jerusalem church and became the first Christian martyr whose death is recorded in Acts. Full of faith, grace, power, and the Holy Spirit, he performed signs, defended the Gospel before the council, and was stoned after testifying to the exalted Son of Man.
Biography
Acts 6 names Stephen first among the seven selected to address the daily distribution to widows, describing him as full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He also performed great wonders and signs. Opponents from a synagogue disputed with him but could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke, so false witnesses accused him of speaking against Moses, God, the Temple, and the Law. Before the council Stephen delivered the long speech of Acts 7, retelling Israel's history from Abraham through Joseph, Moses, the wilderness, and the Temple. His argument emphasized Israel's repeated resistance to God's messengers and culminated in accusing his hearers of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One. Enraged, they rushed him outside the city and stoned him. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, saw God's glory and Jesus standing at God's right hand. As he died he entrusted his spirit to Jesus and prayed that the sin not be held against his killers. Saul approved of the execution.
Biblical Significance
Stephen's martyrdom is a major turning point in Acts. His witness presents Jesus as the righteous culmination of Israel's story, his death echoes Jesus' own forgiving death, and the persecution following his execution scatters believers who carry the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.