Stephen

Family: disciples · Role: chosen servant · First appears: Acts 6

In Acts 6, Stephen was chosen with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas to oversee the daily ministration. The apostles prayed and laid hands on them, and Stephen, described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,” performed great wonders and miracles among the people. Members of the synagogue disputed with him but could not resist his wisdom and spirit.

False witnesses accused Stephen of blasphemy against Moses, God, Jesus, the holy place, and the law. The people, elders, and scribes seized him and brought him before the council. In Acts 7, he was stoned while calling upon God and Jesus, praying, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” He died, and in Acts 8 devout men carried him to burial while mourners lamented greatly.

Paul was among Stephen’s enemies, consenting to his death and guarding the clothing of those who killed him. In Acts 22, Paul later confessed that he had stood by when Stephen’s blood was shed and had consented to his death.