St. Stephen

Their story

Stephen’s story is told in the Acts of the Apostles. As the early Church in Jerusalem grew, complaints arose that the widows of Greek-speaking believers were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles asked the community to choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to take on this service. Stephen was the first named, and the Church sees these seven as the first deacons. Stephen was full of grace and power and worked great wonders among the people. Some who argued with him could not stand up to his wisdom, so they brought false charges against him before the Sanhedrin. In a long speech, Stephen retold the history of God’s people and showed how it pointed to Jesus. Then he looked up and said he saw the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). The crowd dragged him out of the city and stoned him. As he died, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60). A young man named Saul stood by approving, and he later became St. Paul. Stephen is the first martyr of the Church, and his feast is celebrated the day after Christmas.