A martyr is defined as someone who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs. Stephen, who was appointed as one of the seven deacons in the Acts of the Apostles, is considered to be the first Christian martyr. (Acts 6:5)
Stephen Brought Before The Sanhedrin
The Bible says Stephen was a man full of God’s grace and power who performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. However, a group of Jewish men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen rose up and began to argue and debate with Stephen. When these men were not able to stand against the wisdom given to Stephen by the Spirit, they convinced some other men to lie about him. He was brought before the Sanhedrin on the false charges of blaspheming Moses and God (Acts 6:8-12). As the high council stared at Stephen, his face became as the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)
Stephen’s Speech
When asked by the high priest if the accusations were true, Stephen begins a speech that takes up most of (Acts 7). Included in his speech was the history of Israel all the way up to the point that Stephen calls them a stiff-necked people who just as their ancestors did, always resisted the Holy Spirit. In addition to this, he points out their ancestors persecution of the prophets along with their very own betrayal and murder of the Righteous One. (Acts 7:51-52)
Stephen Becomes The First Christian Martyr
These last few statements from Stephen enraged the Sanhedrin, with the Bible saying they gnashed their teeth at him. As he was about to become the first Christian martyr, being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He told them, “”I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:54-56)
While covering their ears and yelling, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him (Acts 7:57-58). As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died. (Acts 7:59-60)
The Bible tells an absolutely amazing true story about the first Christian martyr!
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