Stephen (Greek: Στέφανος, romanized: Stéphanos; c. AD 5 – c. 34) is traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity. [2] According to the Acts of the Apostles , he was a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem who angered members of various synagogues by …

Jan 1, 2025 · St. Stephen (died 36 ce, Jerusalem; feast day December 26) was a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who is believed to have been the first Christian martyr. His apology before the Sanhedrin (Acts of the Apostles 7) points to a distinct strand of belief in early Christianity.

Aug 23, 2019 · He has a short introduction in Acts 6:5 and becomes the first martyr for the Christian faith just one chapter later. Who was this man who has such a brief mention? Why did Stephen become the first martyr for the Christian faith, and what can the church today learn about this saint from the first century? First of all, who was Stephen?

The first man chosen was Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Spirit of God; and with him was Philip and five other good men. These seven men they brought before the apostles; and the apostles laid their hands on their heads, setting them apart for their work of caring for the poor.

Feb 13, 2024 · Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to be responsible over the distribution of food to widows in the early church after a dispute arose and the apostles recognized they needed help. He was also "full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).

Jan 4, 2022 · When Stephen in the Bible was stoned to death, believers fled Jerusalem, taking the gospel everywhere. Get to know the first Christian martyr up close.

Feb 10, 2019 · One of the first seven deacons of the Christian Church, Saint Stephen is also the first Christian to be martyred for the Faith (hence the title, often applied to him, of protomartyr —that is, "first martyr").

Saint Stephen was one of the first ordained deacons of the Church. He was also the first Christian martyr. The Greek word from which we derive the English word martyr literally means witness.

Stephen, Saint, one of the first deacons and the first Christian martyr; feast on December 26. In the Acts of the Apostles the name of St. Stephen occurs for the first time on the occasion of the appointment of the first deacons (Acts, vi, 5).

Dec 24, 2024 · St. Stephen, venerated as the Protomartyr or First Martyr of the Christian Church, occupies a special place in history as a witness to Christ through his life, deeds, and ultimate sacrifice. His story, detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, serves as a testament to unwavering faith and forgiveness in the face of persecution.