Disciple · New Testament
The Story of Stephen
Also: Stefano (Kiswahili)
One of the seven chosen to serve the Jerusalem church, full of faith and the Holy Spirit; the first Christian martyr.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, was chosen as one of seven to serve in the daily distribution, and did great wonders among the people. Acts 6:3–8
Accused before the council, he retold Israel's history; as he was stoned he saw Jesus at God's right hand and prayed for his killers. Acts 6:12–15Acts 7:2–53Acts 7:55–60
Told in: Acts
Life at a glance
- Role
- One of the seven chosen to serve Acts 6:5
- Death
- Stoned outside Jerusalem Acts 7:58–60
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Stephen
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Chosen to serve
The apostles have the believers choose seven men to serve; Stephen is the first named.
More about this event
People: Philip the evangelist
Accused before the council
Opponents cannot resist his wisdom and bring false witnesses; his face looks like the face of an angel.
His speech
Stephen recounts God's dealings with Abraham, Joseph and Moses and accuses the council of resisting the Holy Spirit.
Stoned to death
Seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand, Stephen is stoned; he prays, Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Stephen. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
- Acts 11:19 — The persecution that arose over Stephen scattered believers.
- Acts 22:20 — Paul recalls Stephen's death.
Family and relationships
- PaulSaul approved of his deathActs 8:1
- Philip the evangelistFellow member of the sevenActs 6:5
Books associated with Stephen
- Acts Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
CourageForgiveness
- How does Stephen's prayer in Acts 7:60 echo Jesus' words?
Read offline
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