Topical Bible: Persecution of Stephen

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The persecution of Stephen marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the Hellenistic Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5), is recognized as the first Christian martyr. His account is a testament to the early church's challenges and the fervent faith of its members.

Background and Ministry

Stephen is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). He was also "full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His ministry was marked by wisdom and the Spirit's power, which drew the attention and ire of certain members of the Jewish community, particularly those from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Acts 6:9).

Accusations and Arrest

Unable to counter Stephen's wisdom, his opponents resorted to deceit. They "secretly persuaded some men to say, 'We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God'" (Acts 6:11). This led to Stephen's arrest and his appearance before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. False witnesses accused him of speaking against the holy place and the law, claiming that he said Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs handed down by Moses (Acts 6:13-14).

Stephen's Defense

In response to the accusations, Stephen delivered a powerful speech before the Sanhedrin, as recorded in Acts 7. He recounted Israel's history, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the people's repeated disobedience. Stephen highlighted the rejection of God's messengers, culminating in the betrayal and murder of the Righteous One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:52). His speech was not merely a defense but a prophetic indictment of the Jewish leaders' resistance to the Holy Spirit.

Martyrdom

Stephen's words enraged the members of the Sanhedrin. "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him" (Acts 7:54). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). He declared this vision, further inciting the council's wrath. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him, with the witnesses laying their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul (Acts 7:58).

As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). His final words echoed those of Christ on the cross: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). With this, he fell asleep, marking the first recorded martyrdom in Christian history.

Impact on the Early Church

Stephen's martyrdom had a profound impact on the early church. It marked the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). This dispersion played a crucial role in the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

The account of Stephen's persecution and martyrdom serves as a powerful example of unwavering faith and the cost of discipleship. His account continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 6:9-15
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:1
Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
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Library

The Peace Following the Persecution.
... Book VII. Chapter V."The Peace following the Persecution. ... 3. But Stephen,
having filled his office two years, was succeeded by Xystus. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter v the peace following the.htm

Antioch
... III ANTIOCH. According to Acts the result of the persecution of Stephen
was the spread of Christianity outside Palestine. As the ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/iii antioch.htm

That a Man Shall not Take Ensample of Saint Martin and of Saint ...
... heaven. As He had said thus to Saint Stephen in person of all those that
suffer persecution for His love: "Lo, Stephen! as verily ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eight and 4.htm

Concerning Persecution
... And that it might seem no strange thing for God's ministers to be under the heat
and rage of persecution, Stephen puts the question, Which of the prophets have ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Prayer of Stephen.
... from his heart a prayer such as this that we hear from the heart of Stephen. ... part
of his life and up to its close, the object of enmity and persecution one who ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxiii the prayer of stephen.htm

The Doctrine of Christ Soon Spread Throughout all the World.
... 285] and after him a multitude of other Greeks in Antioch, [286] to whom those who
were scattered by the persecution of Stephen had preached the Gospel. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the doctrine of christ.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... And he acted according to his conviction. He took the most prominent part
in the persecution of Stephen and delighted in his death. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

Acts VIII
... Foiled in their efforts, the Pharisees were now ready to unite with the Sadducees
in a common persecution. They selected Stephen as the first victim, because ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

The Distinguished Ecclesiastics of Our Day, and which of them ...
... And after Anatolius had departed this life, the last bishop of that parish before
the persecution was Stephen, [2472] who was admired by many for his knowledge ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxii the distinguished ecclesiastics of.htm

Epistle v. --Which is the First on the Subject of Baptism ...
... letter thus: "When he had addressed many reasonings on this subject to him (Stephen)
by letter, Dionysius at last showed him that, as the persecution had abated ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/epistle v which is the first.htm