Saint Stephen’s story according to Bible scriptures
In Acts 6 and 7, we learn about Stephen, a devout follower of Jesus. The
apostles selected Stephen, along with six others, based on his reputation,
spiritual maturity, and wisdom, to serve as one of the first deacons.
Acts 6: 8-15
“8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great
wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from
members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of
Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who
began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the
wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard
Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law.
They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They
produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking
against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say
that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs
Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and
they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” -Acts 6: 8-15
Acts 7: 51-60
“51 Stephen said to the people and elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-
necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just
like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a
prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who
predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed
and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given
through angels but have not obeyed it.”
The Stoning of Stephen
54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and
gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up
to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand
of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.”
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they
all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.
Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named
Saul.
59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin
against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7: 51-60
Saint Stephen, who lived in Jerusalem, was a Christian deacon and the
first Christian martyr. He was killed for his faith in 36 CE. Before his death,
he defended his beliefs in front of a Jewish court, which made his audience
very angry. They took him out of the city and stoned him to death.
Like Jesus, Stephen forgave his attackers. Many early Christians were
martyred in the time after Christ. It is generally believed that this
persecution started shortly after Pentecost, which was when the Holy Spirit
descended upon the apostles. After Pentecost, the apostles began to
spread their message of Christ.
Stephen was a Greek-speaking Jew and one of seven deacons chosen
to help widows in the Christian community. He was also a powerful
preacher who debated with Jews from other places. Many Jews, including
priests, converted to Christianity because of him. This upset some people,
and he was brought before the Jewish court for allegedly speaking against
the Jewish holy place and law. His defense before the court is our main
source of information about his beliefs.
He is now known as the patron saint of deacons and stonemasons.
People in many countries celebrate his feast day on December 26.
