Topical Encyclopedia Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is best known for being the first Christian martyr. His account is primarily recorded in the Book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7. Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the early church in Jerusalem, ensuring that the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows were met (Acts 6:1-6). He was described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5) and "full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).Stephen's ministry and powerful testimony quickly attracted opposition from certain members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who were unable to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:9-10). In response, they secretly persuaded men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God, leading to his arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:11-12). During his trial, Stephen delivered a profound speech, recounting the history of Israel and highlighting their repeated resistance to God's messengers. He emphasized the faithfulness of God and the disobedience of the people, culminating in a bold accusation against the Sanhedrin: "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51). Stephen further accused them of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, referring to Jesus Christ (Acts 7:52). Stephen's speech enraged the members of the Sanhedrin, and they were "gnashing their teeth at him" (Acts 7:54). However, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He declared, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). This declaration further incited the crowd, who covered their ears, rushed at him, and dragged him out of the city to stone him (Acts 7:57-58). As Stephen was being stoned, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). In his final moments, he demonstrated Christ-like forgiveness, praying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). With these words, he fell asleep, marking the end of his earthly life and the beginning of his eternal reward. Stephen's martyrdom had a profound impact on the early church. It marked the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). Among those present at Stephen's stoning was Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity (Acts 7:58). Stephen's legacy is one of unwavering faith, bold proclamation of the truth, and a Christ-like spirit of forgiveness. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution. Nave's Topical Index Acts 7:54-60When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. Nave's Topical Index Acts 8:1 Acts 22:20 Library Stephen the First Christian Martyr The Martyrdom of Stephen. The Eternal Goodness The First Christian Martyr An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in ... Deified and Stoned Its Effects. Twentieth Day. Not Retaliating. Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Prochorus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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