The first Christian martyr, described as ‘full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.’ Stephen was one of seven men chosen to serve the early church’s practical needs, but his powerful preaching and miracles brought him before the Jewish council. His defense—a masterful summary of Israel’s history showing how they had always resisted the Holy Spirit—so enraged the council that they dragged him out and stoned him. As he died, Stephen echoed Jesus’ words: ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ A young man named Saul (later Paul) watched and approved.
While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.Acts 7:59-60 · Berean Standard Bible
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. Now Stephen, who…
A food distribution dispute leads to the appointment of seven Spirit-filled servants. One of them, Stephen, is about to change everything.
Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and told him, ‘Leave your country and your kindred and go to the land I will show you.’ So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land…
Stephen recounts Israel's entire history before the council, then accuses them of repeating their ancestors' rebellion. It costs him his life.
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