Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Stephen Martyred At

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Jerusalem, the city of profound historical and spiritual significance, is the backdrop for the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This event is a pivotal moment in the early Church, marking a transition in the spread of the Gospel and the intensification of persecution against Christians.

Stephen's Role and Ministry

Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen by the early Church to assist the apostles by overseeing the distribution of food and aid to the widows and needy (Acts 6:1-6). Described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), Stephen was also known for performing "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His wisdom and spirit were unmatched, and he engaged in debates with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who were unable to withstand his arguments (Acts 6:9-10).

Accusations and Trial

Stephen's powerful ministry and preaching led to opposition. False witnesses were brought against him, accusing him of blasphemy against Moses and God, and claiming he spoke against the holy place and the law (Acts 6:11-14). These accusations were brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council in Jerusalem. During his trial, Stephen's face appeared "like the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15), signifying his divine inspiration and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Stephen's Speech

In his defense, Stephen delivered a profound speech, recounted in Acts 7, which is a comprehensive summary of Israel's history and God's faithfulness. He highlighted the repeated disobedience of the Israelites and their resistance to God's messengers. Stephen accused the Jewish leaders of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, and of resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51-53).

Martyrdom

Stephen's speech enraged the members of the Sanhedrin. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56). His declaration of this vision further incited the council, leading them to drag him out of the city and stone him. As he was being stoned, Stephen called upon the Lord, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and with his final breath, he prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60). His prayer echoes the forgiveness exemplified by Christ on the cross.

Significance and Aftermath

Stephen's martyrdom marked a significant moment in the early Church. It catalyzed a great persecution against the Church in Jerusalem, causing believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). This dispersion led to the further spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Among those who witnessed Stephen's death was Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity. Stephen's martyrdom, therefore, not only exemplifies the cost of discipleship but also serves as a catalyst for the expansion of the early Church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 6:8-15
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
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Acts 7:1
Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
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Library

The Same Hippolytus on the Seventy Apostles.
... [2027] 1. James the Lord's brother, [2028] bishop of Jerusalem. 2. Cleopas, bishop
of Jerusalem. ... 9. Nicanor died when Stephen was martyred. 10. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/the same hippolytus on the.htm

The First Christian Martyr
... this persecution brought terror to the Christians at Jerusalem. ... After the death of
Stephen, Saul was elected ... take the place of the martyred Stephen, to preach ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm

The Peace Following the Persecution.
... and thus hold that Alexander of Jerusalem is here ... The epistle of Stephen referred
to here, however, cannot ... That Xystus (or Sixtus) was martyred under Valerian ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter v the peace following the.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... and rulers finally convinced him that Stephen was a blasphemer, that the Christ
whom the martyred disciple had ... Those who were driven from Jerusalem by this ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

The Epistles of Paul
... in connection with the violent death of Stephen, and soon ... by way of Troas, Ephesus
and Cesarea to Jerusalem. ... of AD68 (Jerome), when he was martyred at Rome. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistles of paul.htm

On the Feast of S. Laurence the Martyr (Aug. 10).
... shine, and Rome is become as famous in Laurentius as Jerusalem was ennobled by Stephen. ...
the chief Deacon in the time of Sextus II., and was martyred in the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxxv on the feast.htm

St. Cyprian.
... as a teacher, and, like the first Christians at Jerusalem (Acts 4 ... So Stephen was
not able to get the power which he wished ... Cyprian was martyred, in the year 258 ...
/.../chapter viii st cyprian.htm

The King's Farewell
... among us as ever it was in Jerusalem; and its foul ... to the apostles; 'wise men,' like
a Stephen or an ... admitting that the calling of the martyred Zacharias, 'the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings farewell.htm

Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection.
... the spectral resurrections of the martyred Thomas a ... Paraclete" descended upon them;
and Stephen, saw Christ ... and in different places, from Jerusalem to Damascus ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/dr philip schaff on the.htm

The Shadow of Death
... Stephen's gate. ... attention to a charge not urged by the men of influence in Jerusalem. ...
endured by the Master and those which some of his martyred followers bore ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm