Saint Stephen

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Saint Stephen is traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity. He is believed to have been a Hellenistic Jew who became a follower of Jesus Christ and was one of the first seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early Church.

Life

Saint Stephen is primarily known from the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. According to the account, Stephen was a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" and was chosen as one of the seven deacons to help with the distribution of food and aid to the Hellenistic Jews and Hebraic Jews in the early Christian community. His role was to ensure fair distribution and to address the needs of the widows and the poor.

Martyrdom

Stephen's preaching and his performance of "great wonders and signs" among the people led to opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. He was accused of blasphemy against Moses and God, and was brought before the Sanhedrin. In his defense, Stephen gave a speech recounting the history of Israel and denouncing the Jewish authorities for their resistance to the Holy Spirit and their betrayal and murder of the "Righteous One" (Jesus).

Stephen's speech enraged the members of the Sanhedrin, and he was dragged out of the city and stoned to death. As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed for his attackers, saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." According to the account, a young man named Saul of Tarsus, who would later become the Apostle Paul, was present and approved of Stephen's execution.

Veneration

Saint Stephen is venerated as a saint in many Christian traditions, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion, and the Lutheran Church. His feast day is celebrated on December 26 in the Western Christian tradition and on December 27 in the Eastern Christian tradition.

Legacy

Saint Stephen's martyrdom had a profound impact on the early Christian community and is seen as a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity. His example of faith and forgiveness in the face of persecution has inspired countless Christians throughout history.

Related Pages

• Acts of the Apostles
• Apostle Paul
• Deacon
• Hellenistic Judaism
• Sanhedrin
• Protomartyr