The stoning of Stephen is a pivotal event in the early Christian church, marking the first recorded martyrdom of a follower of Jesus Christ. This event is detailed in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 6:8–8:1. Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the early church, is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5) and "full of grace and power, who was performing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).

Background and Context

Stephen's ministry took place in Jerusalem during a time of growing tension between the Jewish authorities and the burgeoning Christian community. As the early church grew, so did opposition from various Jewish sects. Stephen, known for his wisdom and spirit, engaged in debates with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which included Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia (Acts 6:9). Unable to withstand his wisdom, these opponents resorted to deceit, secretly persuading men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11).

Trial Before the Sanhedrin

Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, where false witnesses testified against him, claiming he spoke against the holy place and the law, asserting that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs handed down by Moses (Acts 6:13-14). In response, Stephen delivered a powerful speech, recounting the history of Israel and highlighting their repeated resistance to God's messengers. He accused the Jewish leaders of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, whom they had received the law from angels but had not kept it (Acts 7:51-53).

The Martyrdom

Stephen's speech incited the anger of the Sanhedrin. As they were "cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at him" (Acts 7:54), Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He declared, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). This proclamation further enraged the council, who, covering their ears and shouting, rushed at him, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him (Acts 7:57-58).

As Stephen was being stoned, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). Falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). With these words, he fell asleep, a euphemism for his death. The witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul (Acts 7:58).

Significance

The stoning of Stephen is significant for several reasons. It marks the first martyrdom in Christian history, setting a precedent for the persecution that would follow. Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God is a powerful testament to the divinity and authority of Christ. His prayer for forgiveness for his executioners echoes the words of Jesus on the cross, exemplifying the Christian call to love and forgive one's enemies. The presence of Saul, who approved of Stephen's execution (Acts 8:1), foreshadows his dramatic conversion and pivotal role in the spread of Christianity. Stephen's martyrdom catalyzed a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers and the spread of the Gospel beyond the confines of the city.