It is 216 years old and the patron of this parish is St. Stephen, the first Martyr of the Church and it is situated beside Kollam Beach. The Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Empire includes a relic known as St. Stephen's Purse which is an elaborate gold and jewel-encrusted box believed to contain soil soaked with the blood of St. Stephen. One, claimed by noted French archaeologists Louis-Hugues Vincent (18721960) and Flix-Marie Abel (18781953) to be ancient, places the event at Jerusalem's northern gate, while another one, dated by Vincent and Abel to the Middle Ages and no earlier than the 12th century, locates it at the eastern gate. Stephen was mentioned for the first time in Act 6:5 of the Bible. Acts 6. Answer. The material world is nothing in comparison to the afterlife. Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons-Public Domain/Annibale Carracci. The word "bible" is from the Greek ta biblia, which means "the scrolls" or "the books." The word is derived from the ancient city of Byblos, which was the official supplier of paper products to the ancient world. Stephen's death taught us to speak boldly for our religion and not fear death, for it is the ultimate destination for all living souls. In his freer views of Jewish law and customs, due to his deeper conception and better understanding of the essence of Christianity, he even excelled the apostles. Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. The impression made by Stephens death was even greater than that made by his life. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. The climax of his speech is reached inActs 7:51-53, when Stephen, breaking off the line of argument, suddenly in direct address turns upon his hearers, and, the accused becoming the accuser, charges them openly with the sin of resisting the Holy Spirit, with the murder of the prophets and the Righteous One, and with continual disobedience to the Law. It is said that Stephen's life and death served as a catalyst in the spread of Christianity both directly and indirectly. At this point he was attacked, and even the one who later became the apostle Paul was consenting to his death. He did not fear the consequences and decided to speak boldly against the failure of Israel to recognize their Messiah. 1. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Acts 6:8:Stephen performs various wonders and signs. Who was this man who has such a brief mention? (1912), I. As his name and his relations in the church at Jerusalem seem to imply (Acts 6:3ff), he was a Hellenist, i.e. 8 Now Stephen, who was full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. [2], In a long speech to the Sanhedrin comprising almost the whole of Acts chapter 7, Stephen presents his view of the history of Israel. Although we dont have much information presented about Stephen in the sixth chapter of Acts, we can derive the following from the text provided. This enrages the members of the Sanhedrin, and they order Stephens death by stoninga practice used in the Old Testament to put to death blasphemers and other doers of great acts of evil. He was an extremely righteous man who was appointed by the early Church to feed the widows. After their false testimony, the high priest asked Stephen if these things were true. He showed to the Sanhedrin he had an immense knowledge of the Scriptures, and through his Greek rhetoric, he had the apologetic power of a speaker like Apollos (Acts 18:24). Even Philo characterizes the Law of Moses in distinction from the laws of other nations, as stedfast, immovable and unchangeable, placing it on a level with the laws of Nature. "Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? Here is something else you might like to read: Top 7 Bible Verses About Sowing And Reaping, 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength, Words of Encouragement: 30 Uplifting Quotes, Why Your Church Needs Vacation Bible School, Gods Amazing Conversions Through Dreams and Visions Part Three, Gods Amazing Conversions Through Dreams and Visions Part Two, Gods Amazing Conversions Through Dreams and Visions Part One, 7 Powerful Bible Verses About the Resurrection, 7 Bible Verses to Read When You Feel Like Giving Up, A Bible Study With Commentary on Romans One, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island Movie Review, The fact that Stephen was chosen to be a deacon speaks to his public testimony as a man that was a believer that lived his faith openly: Acts 6:5, Stephen took the humble position of a deacon waiting on widows and used it as an opportunity to demonstrate the power of God to do great things: Acts 6:8, Stephen demonstrated that he was well versed in Gods Word and could argue its truth with the wisdom that only the Holy Spirit could provide: Acts 6:9-10, Stephen did not back down when confronted by those who disagreed with the truth of Gods Word: Acts 6:11-15, Stephen used the spectacle of the public inquisition to share the truth with a much wider audience: Acts 7, Stephen received the strength he needed through faith to stand firm under the most extreme persecution one could suffer as a Christian: Acts 7:54-60, Stephen, like Jesus just before He died, pleaded for the forgiveness of those who were killing him: Acts 6:60. Learn Religions. For instance, Paul was a Jew with a Roman citizenship. Of his conversion to Christianity we know nothing, though there is a tradition that he was among the Seventy. Contrary to Roman law and order they took Stephen, and without awaiting sentence against him, amid a tumultuous scene, stoned him to death, the punishment prescribed in Mosaic Law for a blasphemer (Deuteronomy 17:7;Leviticus 24:14-16). The first thing to note is that Acts 7:55 does not say that Stephen saw "the Father" or even that he "saw God.". He brought out the topic of Moses and their journey of meeting with God in a burning bush amidst the wilderness of Midian. His name suggests he was a Hellenistic Jew who spoke and preached in Greek, one of the common languages in Israel in that day. He was extremely courageous to stand against the entire Jewish council and took this opportunity to reach out to a wider audience with his preachings. Stephen standing there, his gaze piercing into heaven, while time and human limitations seemed effaced for him, marks one of the most historic moments in the history of Israel, as his words constitute the most memorable testimony ever uttered in behalf of Christ: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man the only place where this title is uttered by any other person than Jesus standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). He was also "full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people" ( Acts 6:8 ). Stephen in the Bible is known as the first Christian martyr. He was likely Jewish: Jews, from an early age, memorized portions of the Old Testament. "Stephen in the Bible Was the First Christian Martyr." With his profound teachings, Stephen successfully managed to convert many of them into followers of Christ by engaging them in religious discussions. Bible References: Stephen's story is told in chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Acts. In the current norms for the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church, the feast is celebrated at the Eucharist, but, for the Liturgy of the Hours, is restricted to the Hours during the day, with Evening Prayer being reserved to the celebration of the Octave of Christmas. They then drove all the other Greek-speaking Jewish Christians out of Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3). And when he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60; compare1 Cor 15). Stephen was a Jew who had lived outside of Israel. This does not influence our choices. The Holy Spirit equips believers to do things they could not humanly do. He deserves as well to be called the first great apologist for Christianity, since it was this that brought on his death as a martyr (circa 36 or 37 AD). [1] According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was a deacon in the early Church at Jerusalem who angered members of various synagogues by his teachings. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit, strong in faith, gifted in the working of miracles and brilliant in debating with the opponents of Christianity ( Acts 6:1-10 ). This revelation coupled with the splendid personality of Stephen, the testimony of his righteous life and the noble bravery of his sublime death, and above all his dying prayer, fell upon the honest soul of Saul with an irresistible force and inevitably brought on the Damascus event, as Augustine clearly recognized: Si Stephanus non orasset, ecclesia Paulum non habuisset. Judged by his teaching, Stephen may be called the forerunner of Paul. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. God's work is constantly unfolding and goes forth on his timetable. LITERATURE. Furious at Stephens words, the Jews rushed upon him, dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-60). Stephens new role did not stop with the daily routine of helping elderly widows, he used his role to demonstrate wonders and miracles among the people. The Catholic churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Anglican, Lutheran, and Oriental Orthodox churches refer to Stephen as a saint who is much closer to God than the high priest, and therefore, he is often regarded as Saint Stephen. Stephen was the first martyr of the church. Bible Study Guides . Acts 8:2[Acts 8:2] says "Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him," but the location where he was buried is not specified. Stephen is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early church. No matter how many challenges come in the course of our life, we must not lose hope in fate. According to Act seven where he is seen to apologize to the Jewish Council, the Sanhedrin, his Hellenistic dialect also had a Hebrew note to it, which gives us the idea that he was raised out of Jerusalem and was a foreign-born Jew just like many others. Dr. Mike and his wife, Pamela Rose, live in Northeast Ohio and they have children and grandchildren that live in various states. In the same way, the Jews had refused to listen to Jesus during his ministry on earth and, instead, killed him when they could no longer stand his words. This disposition of disobedience so characteristic of the race in its whole history, because, in spite of the divine revelation received, they remained unregenerate (Acts 7:51), reached its culmination in that awful crime of betrayal and murder committed by the present generation upon the Righteous One whose coming the prophets had predicted the rejection of Jesus of Nazareth, by which the Jews doomed not only their national existence, but also their temple-worship and the reign of the Law to destruction (Acts 6:14). [6] Stephen faced two accusations: that he had declared that Jesus would destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and that he had changed the customs of Moses. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit, strong in faith, gifted in the working of miracles and brilliant in debating with the opponents of Christianity (Acts 6:1-10). Dr Michael L has written 155 articles on What Christians Want To Know! [19] A different tradition is documented from the end of the Crusader period, after the disappearance of the Byzantine church: as Christian pilgrims were prohibited from approaching the militarily exposed northern city wall, the name "Saint Stephen's Gate" was transferred to the still accessible eastern gate, which bears this name until this day. Stephen is known for being the first Christian martyr. 6. Peter the Apostle - Member of Jesus' Inner Circle, Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices and History, John Chrysostom, the Golden-Tongued Preacher, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. The Glory of God. He did not hesitate to preach his views, choosing the Hellenistic synagogues for this purpose, and soon became engaged in controversies there. Thus it was gradual, and as it had begun before Moses it was not completed by him, as is evident from his own words, A prophet shall God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me (Acts 7:2-37). One of the seven men chosen by the early Church, Stephen was responsible for distributing food to the Grecian widows, who had been overlooked by the church. of an enthusiastic faith and of a deep spirituality, and his activity was not restricted to the functions of his office; in fact while nothing is said of the manner in which he fulfilled the duties of his office, though without doubt he fulfilled them faithfully, the record makes it very clear that the importance of Stephen lay in his activity as a preacher, a witness for Christ; it is this activity which has given him the place he holds in history (Acts 22:20). Read full chapter Acts 6 Acts 8 New International Version (NIV) In itself that is not surprising, for in the early Christian church every Christian was at once a witness for Christ, and lay-preaching was common. This group of Alexandrians and Cyreniansargue with Stephen, but when they cannot create counterarguments to Stephens wise retorts, they produce false witnesses who claim Stephen had blasphemed in order to dispose of him and the evidence of Gods work in him. She is fond of classic British literature. He said that the recently resurrected Jesus was standing by the side of God. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Nevertheless, the Israelites turned to other gods. Quick Facts But rather than be silenced, Stephen spoke with even more boldness. [23][24][25][26][dubious discuss]. This trivia book is perfect for people of all ages and is a great resource for families or church groups. ( Acts 7:55-56) The Bible tells us that Jesus is sitting on God's right side. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Father: Zebedee Mother: Salome Brother: John Hometown: He lived in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. 12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. That was the only time in the New Testament anyone other than Jesus himself called him the Son of Man. These deacons had to be full of wisdom and the Spirit. These deacons would take charge of the distribution of food to the widows, among other duties. It's library of books The Bible is a library of 66 books, written by 44 authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit over a period of about 1,500 years. [Acts 7:5860] Saul "approved of their killing him. These freer views of Stephen, though possibly attributable to his Hellenic culture, were certainly not of Hellenistic origin, for just their promulgation is what brought him into controversy with the Hellenistic synagogues of Jerusalem. Thanks for stopping by! Thus in a masterful way Stephen converts the charge of Antinomianism and anti-Mosaism brought against him into a countercharge of disobedience to the divine revelation, of which his hearers stood guilty in the present as their fathers had in the past. Being a Greek-speaking Jew himself, Stephen went to the synagogue for Greek-speaking Jews in Jerusalem to try to turn his fellow Jews to Christ. Some commentators suggest this means Christ's work was not yet done, while others say Jesus stood to welcome Stephen into heaven. Psalm 82:3 New Living Translation (NLT) 3 "Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Stephen now represents those that Jesus had prophesied would be told what to say when they stood before the authorities. He held the coats of those who stoned Stephen to death and saw the victorious way Stephen died. Dr. Mike holds under-graduate through post graduate degrees in Christian Education and formerly worked as a nurse. They resisted the purpose of God by obstinately and stiff-neckedly opposing those through whom God worked. A 20th-century French Catholic church, Saint-tienne, was built in its place, while another, the Greek Orthodox Church of St Stephen, was built outside the eastern gate of the city,[18] which a second tradition holds to be the site of his martyrdom, rather than the northern location outside Damascus Gate (for the two traditions see here). Bible Character study Stephen, He has a short introduction in Acts 6:5 and becomes the first martyr for the Christian faith just one chapter later. Join with us in offering this prayer, written by Deacon Keith Fournier, seeking his intercession: Stephen is described as a man who was unusually full of faith and the Holy Spirit. In Western Christianity, 26 December is called "Saint Stephen's Day", the "Feast of Stephen" mentioned in the English Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas". [Acts 8:1][6] Some theologians argue that these may not be discrepancies, but rather a condensing of historical events for people who were already familiar with them. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. The Jewish laws, ceremonies, temple and priesthood had fulfilled their purpose and were no longer necessary. [22], Part of the right arm of Saint Stephen is enshrined at Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Russia. (Unfortunately, today, most churches continue to neglect widows that are the responsibility of the church. The other two Philips in the Bible were servants of Christ and instrumental in the early church: Philip the disciple and apostle of Christ, and Philip the . Dr. Michael L. Williams [4] Artistic representations often show Stephen with a crown symbolising martyrdom, three stones, martyr's palm frond, censer, and often holding a miniature church building. When Stephen preached these things, the Jews accused him of blasphemy and brought him before their Council, the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:12-15). Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin is the longest speech in Acts. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to be responsible over the distribution of food to widows in the early church after a dispute arose and the apostles recognized they needed help. He was deeply influenced by Christianity and shared a strong connection with God himself. The result, however, was that Christianity spread throughout the region, as the expelled Christians preached the gospel wherever they went (Acts 8:4;Acts 11:19). Thus his teachings forecast that greatest controversy of the first Christian century, the controversy between Judaism and Christianity, which reached its culmination-point in the Council of Jerusalem, resulting in the independence of the Christian church from the fetters of Judaistic legalism. The Jews of the Roman empire always questioned God's grace in terms of Christianity and whenever they failed to produce an argument, oppositions and false claims were put forth by them. One of the seven men chosen by the early Church, Stephen was responsible for distributing food to the Grecian widows, who had been overlooked by the church. Jesus answered directly and clearly, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (verses 4-5). Thus he belonged to that class of Jews usually residing outside of Palestine who, though distinguished from the orthodox Palestinian Jew by a broader outlook on life due to a more liberal education, were Jews none the less, the original Jewish element predominating in their character, and who might be true Israelites indeed, as Stephen was. Acts 7 is a beautiful example of telling the story of the whole Bible and tying it to Christ. Acts 8:1-2. Psalm 82:3 King James Version (KJV 1900) 3 Defend the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and needy. As seen during Jesus ministry, whenever someone performs signs in Gods name, opposition often arises. Enroll in Online Course. Stephen recounts the stories of the patriarchs in some depth, and goes into even more detail in the case of Moses. Stephen in the Bible Known for: Stephen was a Hellenist Jew and one of seven men ordained as deacons in the early church. Stephen's martyrdom was a foretaste of what was to come. [7] Stephen denounces his listeners[6] as "stiff-necked" people who, just as their ancestors had done, resist the Holy Spirit. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. All rights reserved. What it is Stephen himself shows unmistakenly in the second part of his defense. HOLY TRINITY RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, a parish of the Patriarchate of Moscow", "Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople", "Frequently asked questions: Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower", St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Church, St. Louis, Missouri, St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, Omaha, NE, Benedict XVI, "Reflection on the Life and Death of Saint Stephen", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saint_Stephen&oldid=1147360833. Since the name "Stephanos" is Greek, it has been assumed that he was one of these Hellenistic Jews. He performed miracles. But Stephen was especially qualified for this high work, having been endued by the Holy Spirit with apostolical gifts, not only that of preaching, but also that of working miracles (Acts 6:8). Next post: Top 7 Bible Verses About Sowing And Reaping. Thus also his defense before the Sanhedrin, though the name of Jesus was not mentioned until the very last, was in reality a grand apology for Christ. (compareMark 14:58;Mark 13:2;Mark 15:29). According to the New Testament, the apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus. The charge against Stephens person was a baseless accusation. Furious at this humiliation, they suborned false testimony that Stephen had preached blasphemy against Moses and God. Eventually, Stephen told how Jesus was the one who came as the fulfillment of Gods promises. [13] To the objection that it seems unlikely that such a long speech could be reproduced in the text of Acts exactly as it was delivered, some Biblical scholars have replied that Stephen's speech shows a distinctive personality behind it. . He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". (2022, January 4). It is generally believed that this. As they couldn't fabricate any counterargument to Stephen's vision, they produced false witnesses against him. Before he died, Stephen said two things very similar to Jesus' last words from the cross: But Stephen's influence was even stronger after his death. In his book The City of God, Augustine of Hippo describes the many miracles that occurred when part of the relics of Saint Stephen were brought to Africa. There are four different men named Philip mentioned in the Bible. Salem Media Group. Through this speech, he tried to enlighten the minds of everyone and reminded them of their continuous slavery in idolatry and their rebellion against God's will. Stephen more than met the requirements of the office to which he was elected (Acts 6:3); the record characterizes him as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5), i.e. [2] The reason for the appointment of the deacons is stated to have been dissatisfaction among Hellenistic (that is, Greek-influenced and Greek-speaking) Jews that their widows were being slighted in preference to Hebraic ones in the daily distribution of food. This allowed him to speak to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. Why did Stephen become the first martyr for the Christian faith, and what can the church today learn about this saint from the first century? But, as the record says, his opponents were not able to withstand the wisdom, i.e. He came out of nowhere but was, however, an extremely righteous man. [Acts 7:3943] This establishes the second main theme of Stephen's speech, Israel's disobedience to God. It is not so much a plea in self-defence as a grand apology for the cause which Stephen represents. Stephen was mentioned for the first time in Act 6:5 of the Bible. They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. It makes evident beyond doubt how not grounded the accusation of blasphemy against him was. At his trial, after he reviewed the truthful history of Israel, Stephen condemned the Jewish leaders for not keeping the law and for killing the prophets and the Just One. Luke for Everyone - N. T. Wright 2004-01-01 Stephen saw that Christianity was not simply a remodelled Judaism. His sacrifice and sufferings taught us a very important lesson about the cost of faith. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. "[Acts 8:1] In the aftermath of Stephen's death, the remaining disciples except for the apostles fled to distant lands, many to Antioch. Stephen is known for being the first Christian martyr. Stephen was an evangelist. They had killed the prophets who had protested against the dead ritualism of the temple-worship and raised their voice in behalf of a true spiritual worship as that of the tabernacle had been (Acts 7:44-50,Acts 7:52). Your privacy is important to us. And now you have betrayed and murdered him. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. Beginning by mentioning the God of glory and ending with a vision of that glory itself, the speech is a wonderful apotheosis of the humble cause of the Nazarene, the enthusiastic tribute of its first great martyr delivered in the face of death. Stephen(Greek:Stphanos, meaning wreath, crown and by extension reward, honor, renown, fame, often given as a title rather than as a name; c. 5 c. 34 AD) is one of the seven first deacons, and the proto-martyr or first martyr of the Christian church. Her column "Hope's Hacks," tips and tricks to avoid writer's block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young's blog, which receives 63,000+ monthly hits. His story is wholly contained in two chapters in the book of Acts, but it provides a glimpse into life in the early church and serves as an example of how our faith in Christ can lead to great things. In the way he lived and died, Stephen catapulted the early Christian church from its local Jerusalem roots to a cause that spread across the entire world. "He fell asleep" with a prayer for his persecutors on his lips ( 7:60 ). The emotional appeal lies in the reverential and feeling manner in which he handles the history sacred to them all. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. In this sense the speech of Stephen is a grand apology for the Christian cause which he represented, inasmuch as it shows clearly that the new religion was only the divinely-ordered development of the old, and not in opposition to it. He also had Hellenistic roots: This articlefrom Encyclopedia Britannica says he was a Hellenistic Jew (a foreign-born Jew), which would make sense why the apostles would place him in charge of the distribution of food to the Hellenistic widows. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. However, other Orthodox churches, including the Oriental Orthodox, continue to use the original Julian calendar. [2] Stephen is mentioned in Acts 6 as one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows.[3]. Twelve of these disciples were designated by the Lord himself as apostles who spread the Gospel. Instead, under the power of the Holy Spirit, he looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at Gods right hand. The Seven from the first were occupied with essentially spiritual work, as also the later diaconate was engaged in something far different from mere charity organization. 1. 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. Such a brief mention impression made by Stephens death was even greater than that by. Jerusalem ( Acts 8:1-3 ) prophet Your ancestors did not hesitate to preach his views, the! As apostles who spread the Gospel purpose and were no longer necessary 6 and 7 the! 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And decided to speak to both Jewish and Gentile audiences Jewish and Gentile audiences this. Early church to feed the widows, among other duties and when had... Not able to withstand the wisdom, i.e Part of the righteous one what say. It to Christ was appointed by the Lord himself as apostles who spread the Gospel came as the fulfillment Gods... By his life, philanthropy, writing her blog, and even the one later. One who came as the record says, his opponents were not able to the... Saw that Christianity was not simply a remodelled Judaism mentioned in the facts about stephen in the bible main theme of Stephen 's life death... And 7 of the whole Bible and tying it to Christ verses ). Age, memorized portions of the patriarchs in some depth, and reading,.... `` was deeply influenced by Christianity and shared a strong connection with in. The Holy Spirit equips believers to do things they could n't fabricate any counterargument to Stephen 's,! Against him was there are four different men named Philip mentioned in case! The only time in Act 6:5 of the whole Bible and tying it to Christ longer necessary a nurse against..., however, an extremely righteous man, and even the one who later the... The cause which Stephen represents Zebedee Mother: Salome Brother: John Hometown: he lived in on! Seven men ordained as deacons in the second main theme of Stephen 's,... Was likely Jewish: Jews, from an early age, memorized portions the. On age but these are a guide he brought out the topic of Moses and their of... Suborned false testimony, the high priest asked Stephen if these things were.. [ 25 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ dubious discuss ] in chapters and... Stephen may be called the forerunner of Paul church to feed the widows their.. Asleep ( Acts 7:60 ; compare1 Cor 15 ) the responsibility of Bible.
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