Kerygma · Tools · Bible figures
Stephen.
Stephen is the first Christian martyr — chosen as one of the seven Hellenistic-Jewish deacons in Acts 6 to manage the distribution to widows. Filled with the Spirit, he performed signs and engaged in disputation with synagogue opponents. Brought before the Sanhedrin, he delivered a long retrospective on Israel's history (Acts 7), culminating in the accusation that they had betrayed and murdered the Righteous One. As he was stoned, he saw "the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" and prayed for his killers. Saul of Tarsus held the coats.
Timeline
- Chosen as one of the seven deacons (Acts 6)
- Performed signs and wonders
- Brought before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6)
- Long defence speech recounting Israel's history (Acts 7)
- Saw the heavens opened
- Stoned to death (Acts 7)
Key verses
Why Stephen matters
Stephen's death (~34 AD) is the first martyrdom recorded in the church's history. His prayer for his killers — "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (7:60) — echoes Christ's prayer from the cross. The scattering that followed his death pushed the gospel beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8) — and the conversion of Saul, who watched, came shortly after. The Greek word for "witness" is <em>martys</em>; Stephen is the prototype of every later Christian who has witnessed by dying.
Related tools
Read the life, then test what stayed.
Kerygma's trivia rounds cover Stephen alongside the other Bible figures in its narrative context. Free for seven days.
Start your free trial →Available on iPhone & iPad. Subscription is $3.99/month or $29.99/year.