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Stephen (December 26th) is the first person to die for his Christian faith, becoming the "first martyr" around the year 35. He is named in the book of Acts as one of the seven men who were chosen to assist the Apostles and ordained as the first Deacons. He was a Greek-speaking Jew who lived in Jerusalem at the time of his conversion to Christ. Stephen became a leader of a group of Christians who argued that the new faith must become completely separate from Judaism (at that time, most Christians remained active in their synagogues).
Stephen and his fellows taught that Christians should not take part in worship at the Temple and that Mosaic law was no longer binding. They were also the first to urge the expansion of the Church's mission to the Gentiles. Stephen's ministry was notable for his preaching and he is reported to have performed many miracles. The elders of the synagogues opposed Stephen and had him arrested and charged with blasphemy. When given permission to speak before the Sanhedrin (the ruling council of the Jews), Stephen boldly defended his faith and teachings. He ended by accusing the Jews of resisting the Holy Spirit, persecuting the prophets, and betraying and murdering Jesus. Finally, he described a vision he was having as he spoke, seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of God (this powerful speech is recorded in Acts 7). All of this so enraged the council that, without a trial, they ordered him to be dragged outside the city and be stoned to death.
Saul, later to become St. Paul, consented to Stephen's death and witnessed the stoning, keeping watch over the cloaks of the mob. As the stoning was carried out, Stephen implored God to forgive his attackers. His tomb was discovered in 415, and his remains were taken to Rome. |
