Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

Stephen is known as the first Christian martyr. The book of Acts gives us a history of the New Testament church. We read about Stephen for the first time in chapter six.

He was chosen to be a deacon because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and full of faith. (V.5) Being full of faith and power, he did many great things. (V.8)

False witnesses accused him of blasphemy, saying that he spoke against Moses and the Lord. When he stood before the council, they saw his face as the face of an angel.

Just before Stephen was stoned to death, he looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God. He also saw the

Lord Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (7:55)

As he was being stoned. he prayed. Kneeling down, he cried out, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” And then it simply says that he fell asleep.” (v.60)

Stephen was like Jesus in his life. He was also like Jesus in his death. As Jesus was hanging on the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

It has been asked why Stephen was not delivered from death. Why God allowed him to die is questioned. It was believed by Martin Luther and St. Augustine that his being stoned to death led to the conversion of the apostle Paul, who saw his martyrdom.