What is the story of Stephen in Acts?

The story of Stephen in the Book of Acts is a compelling narrative that highlights the early Christian church's challenges, the power of faith, and the ultimate cost of discipleship. Stephen's story is found primarily in Acts 6:1–8:2, and it serves as a pivotal moment in the history of the early church, marking the first recorded martyrdom of a Christian.

Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve as deacons in the early church. The apostles recognized the need for assistance in the daily distribution of food and aid to the widows, particularly among the Hellenistic Jews who felt their widows were being neglected (Acts 6:1). To address this, the apostles decided to appoint seven men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3) to oversee these practical matters, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.

Stephen is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). He was not only a servant in the practical sense but also a powerful witness to the gospel. Acts 6:8 tells us that Stephen, "full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people." His ministry and his ability to perform miracles drew attention, but it also attracted opposition.

Members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, a group of Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia, began to argue with Stephen. However, they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke (Acts 6:9-10). Unable to defeat him in debate, they resorted to more underhanded tactics. They secretly persuaded some men to say that they had heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11). This accusation was serious, as blasphemy was a crime punishable by death under Jewish law.

Stephen was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. False witnesses were set up to testify against him, claiming that he never ceased to speak against the holy place and the law, and that he said Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs Moses handed down (Acts 6:13-14). As Stephen stood before the council, his face was described as being "like the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15), a sign of his innocence and divine favor.

In response to the accusations, Stephen delivered a powerful and lengthy sermon (Acts 7), which is one of the longest speeches in the Book of Acts. He recounted the history of Israel, from Abraham to Solomon, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the people's repeated disobedience. Stephen highlighted how the patriarchs, Moses, and the prophets were often rejected by the very people they were sent to save. He pointed out that the temple, which the Jews held in such high regard, was not the ultimate dwelling place of God, quoting Isaiah 66:1-2 to remind them that "the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands."

Stephen's speech reached its climax when he accused the Sanhedrin of being "stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears," who always resisted the Holy Spirit. He charged them with betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, just as their ancestors had persecuted the prophets (Acts 7:51-53). This bold proclamation cut to the heart of the council members, who were enraged by his words.

As they gnashed their teeth at him, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He declared, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55-56). This vision further infuriated the council, who saw it as the ultimate blasphemy. They covered their ears, and with a loud shout, they rushed at him, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him.

As Stephen was being stoned, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). Then, in a final act of grace and forgiveness, he cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). With these words, he fell asleep, a euphemism for his death. Stephen's martyrdom is a profound testament to his faith and his Christ-like forgiveness, echoing Jesus' own words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Present at Stephen's stoning was a young man named Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul. Saul approved of Stephen's execution (Acts 8:1), and this event marked the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, but they continued to preach the word wherever they went (Acts 8:4). Thus, Stephen's death, while tragic, also served to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' command to be his witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Stephen's story is a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to stand firm in the faith, even in the face of severe opposition. His unwavering commitment to the truth and his willingness to forgive his persecutors serve as an enduring example for Christians throughout the ages. Stephen's martyrdom also underscores the transformative power of the gospel, as the seeds of his witness ultimately contributed to the conversion of Saul and the spread of Christianity far and wide.

In reflecting on Stephen's story, we are called to examine our own faith and our willingness to stand for the truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. We are reminded that the Christian journey is not without its trials and tribulations, but it is also marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and sustains us in our witness. Stephen's life and death challenge us to live boldly for Christ, to speak the truth in love, and to extend grace and forgiveness to others, even in the face of persecution.