Short answer: Stephen was one of the Seven appointed to serve the early Jerusalem church in Acts 6. He is remembered as the first named Christian martyr in Acts. Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 retells Israel’s history, his vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand leads to his death by stoning, and his final prayer echoes Jesus’ call to forgive enemies.
Who was Stephen?
Stephen appears in Acts 6 during a dispute about the daily distribution of food to widows. The apostles ask the community to choose seven people of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this practical responsibility. Stephen is listed first and is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
Stephen is not one of the Twelve apostles. His story shows that witness, service, teaching, and courage were already present across the wider community of Jesus’ followers.
Stephen’s ministry and opposition
Acts 6 describes Stephen as doing great signs and wonders among the people. Members of several synagogues debate with him but cannot withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he speaks. Opponents then arrange false testimony and bring him before the council, accusing him of speaking against Moses, the temple, and the law.
These accusations place Stephen in the middle of major questions facing the early church: How is Jesus related to Israel’s story? What does God’s presence mean? How should the community understand the temple and the law in light of the Messiah?
What Stephen says in Acts 7
Stephen’s speech is the longest speech in Acts. He reviews the history of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, the exodus, the wilderness, and the temple. His point is not that God abandoned Israel’s story. Rather, he argues that God has repeatedly worked through people whom their own community initially resisted.
Stephen also challenges the idea that God can be confined to a building. The Most High does not depend on a human-made house, even though the temple has an important place in Israel’s story. He concludes by accusing his hearers of resisting the Holy Spirit and rejecting the one whom the Scriptures pointed toward.
Stephen’s death and vision
As the crowd becomes furious, Stephen looks toward heaven and says that he sees the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. The crowd drags him outside the city and stones him. Stephen prays, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and then asks the Lord not to hold the sin against those killing him (Acts 7:59–60).
His final words echo the posture of Jesus in Luke 23:34 and Luke 23:46. Stephen’s death is therefore presented not only as persecution, but also as a witness shaped by the crucified and risen Jesus.
Stephen and Saul
Acts 7:58 introduces Saul, later known as Paul, as a young man who approves of Stephen’s death. Acts 8:1–3 then describes Saul’s persecution of the church. The narrative creates a striking contrast: the persecutor who witnesses Stephen’s faithful death will later become a major messenger of the Gospel.
Why Stephen’s story matters
- Service is spiritual ministry: Stephen is chosen for practical care and also becomes a courageous public witness.
- Biblical history shapes Christian witness: his speech explains Jesus within the story of Israel.
- Faithfulness can be costly: Stephen does not hide his convictions when questioned.
- Forgiveness is central: his last prayer refuses to answer violence with revenge.
- God can transform opposition: Saul’s presence foreshadows a future change that Stephen could not yet see.
Frequently asked questions
Was Stephen one of the twelve disciples?
No. Stephen was one of the Seven appointed in Acts 6 to serve the growing Jerusalem church.
Why is Stephen called the first Christian martyr?
Acts presents Stephen as the first named follower of Jesus to be killed for his witness. The word “martyr” comes from the idea of witness and later became associated with those who die because of their testimony.
What was Stephen’s speech about?
Acts 7 retells Israel’s history through Abraham, Joseph, Moses, the exodus, the wilderness, and the temple. Stephen uses that history to explain the repeated resistance to God’s messengers and the significance of Jesus.
What were Stephen’s last words?
Stephen asks Jesus to receive his spirit and prays that the sin not be held against those who stone him (Acts 7:59–60).
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