Stephen, the First Martyr for Christ

This chapter is based on Acts 6:5-15; 7.

Stephen, the most prominent of the seven deacons, spoke the Greek language and was familiar with the customs of the Greeks. Because of this, he found opportunity to preach the gospel in the synagogues of the Greek Jews and boldly spoke of his faith. Educated rabbis and doctors of the law engaged him in public discussion, but “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” He completely defeated his opponents. To him the promise was fulfilled, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist” (Luke 21:15).ULe 37.1

The priests and rulers were filled with bitter hatred. They determined to silence his voice. Several times they had bribed the Roman authorities to overlook situations where the Jews had tried, condemned, and executed prisoners. The enemies of Stephen did not doubt that they could do this again, so they brought him before the Sanhedrin council for trial.ULe 37.2

Well-educated Jews were called in to refute the arguments of the prisoner. Saul of Tarsus was there and used eloquence and logic to convince the people that Stephen was preaching dangerous doctrines. But in Stephen he met someone who had a full understanding of God’s purpose in spreading the gospel to other nations.ULe 37.3

The priests and rulers determined to make an example of Stephen. It would satisfy their revengeful hatred, and they would prevent others from adopting his belief. They hired witnesses to give false testimony. “We have heard him say,” they declared, “that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”ULe 37.4