Stephen
the first martyr
Who was Stephen?
- He was one of the seven chosen in Jerusalem to take care of the daily distribution to the widows. Acts 6:1-5
- He was filled with grace and power, and worked great wonders among the people. Acts 6:8
- He was stoned to death. Before he died, he asked God not to hold this sin against those who were killing him. Acts 7:58-60
What the Bible says
Acts 6:1-5
1And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the twelve calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.
Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 7:58-60
58And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, invoking, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his death.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
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All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible