Stephen

Biography

Stephen was the first Christian martyr (protomartyr), whose brief but impactful life appears in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. Described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit," Stephen was chosen as one of seven men to distribute aid to widows in the early Jerusalem church. Beyond this administrative role, he performed great wonders and signs among the people, his spiritual power attracting both belief and opposition. Brought before the Jewish council, Stephen delivered a powerful speech recounting Israel's history and challenging authorities for resisting the Holy Spirit. His testimony enraged them, and he was condemned to death by stoning around 34-35 AD. As his executioners killed him, Stephen experienced a vision of the glorified Jesus and prayed for forgiveness for his murderers with Christ-like charity. A young man named Saul (later Paul the Apostle) witnessed and approved Stephen's execution, making Stephen's martyrdom pivotal in Christian history. His feast day marks the beginning of the Christmas octave.