Stephen
Chosen to serve food to widows, he became the first to die for Jesus, forgiving as he fell.
New Testament · 1st century · Acts · Also known as The first martyr
About Stephen
When Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution, the apostles asked the church to choose seven men "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" to serve. Stephen was the first named, "a man full of faith." He did great wonders, and when opponents couldn’t answer him, they brought false witnesses to the council. He answered with a sweeping speech through Israel’s history. As the crowd stoned him, he saw "the Son of man standing on the right hand of God," and prayed, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." A young man named Saul, later the apostle Paul, watched and approved.
Stephen’s death, around the early 30s AD, set off a persecution that scattered believers beyond Jerusalem, spreading the message about Jesus. The Greek name Stephanos means "crown." His story is the first time Saul (Paul) appears in Acts.
The story
Seven to serve
The Greek-speaking believers complained that "their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." The apostles said, "Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." The church chose "Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," and six others.
Acts 6:1-7
The face of an angel
"Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." His opponents "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake," so they set up false witnesses before the council. "And all that sat in the council… saw his face as it had been the face of an angel."
Acts 6:8-15
A speech through history
Stephen retold Israel’s story, from Abraham through Joseph, Moses and David to Solomon’s temple, and said, "the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands." He ended by accusing the council of resisting the Holy Spirit, as their fathers had, and of betraying "the Just One."
Acts 7:1-53
Lay not this sin to their charge
Stephen, "full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven," and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." They rushed at him and stoned him. "The witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul." Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." "And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
Acts 7:54-60
Key moments
- Chosen to serve: "Full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 6:5)
- Great wonders: Among the people. (Acts 6:8)
- Before the council: "The face of an angel." (Acts 6:15)
- Sees heaven opened: Jesus standing at God’s right hand. (Acts 7:56)
- Forgives as he dies: "Lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60)
Questions about Stephen
In meetBible these answers are given in Stephen’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.
How could you forgive the people killing you?
Scripture records my words: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." It echoes Jesus on the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke says I was "full of the Holy Ghost" and had just seen Jesus standing at God’s right hand. It doesn’t describe what I felt, only what I prayed.
Why were you chosen to serve food?
The Greek-speaking believers complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The apostles said it wasn’t right for them to leave preaching to "serve tables," and asked the church to choose seven men "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." I was chosen, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," and the apostles prayed and laid hands on us. Many churches see this as the beginning of deacons.
Connected people
- Paul: Watched his death
- Jesus: Saw him in heaven
- Peter: Apostle who appointed him
- Moses: Spoke of him at length
- Philip: Fellow servant
Read it yourself
Start with Acts 6–7.