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The Martyrdom of Saint Stephen refers to the death of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the first Christian to die for Christ.
Who Saint Stephen was
One of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles to serve the early Church (Acts 6).
Described as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” known for preaching and miracles.
A Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jew, skilled in Scripture.
What happened
Stephen was arrested after being accused of blasphemy.
Brought before the Sanhedrin, he delivered a powerful speech (Acts 7) recounting Israel’s history and accusing his hearers of resisting the Holy Spirit.
He proclaimed a vision: “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
The martyrdom
Enraged, the crowd dragged him outside the city and stoned him.
As he died, Stephen prayed:
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (echoing Christ on the Cross)
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Saul of Tarsus (later Saint Paul) was present and consented to his death, guarding the cloaks of the executioners.
