Devout men carried him to his grave ( 8:2 ). He took this opportunity to preach Christianity, which angered several Jewish leaders and priests. In defending his preaching, Stephen gave an outline of Israels history, his aim being to demonstrate two main points. 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. His testimony began with Abraham and ended with the exile by way of a quote from Isaiah 66. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. 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. Though the Hellenist dispensed himself from keeping all of the Pharisaic additions to the Law, he always regarded the Law of Moses and the temple at Jerusalem as highly as the Palestinian Jew. 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 ). [13] Another possibility is that the discrepancies come from an ancient Jewish tradition which was not included in the scriptures or may have been popular among people of Jerusalem who were not scribes. Many people who are familiar with the Bible are not familiar with Stephen who was one of the first deacons in the Bible. Satan does not sit idly by when his realm is challenged. Stephen in the Bible Known for: Stephen was a Hellenist Jew and one of seven men ordained as deacons in the early church. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. The contents of his speech are a recital of the most marked phases of Jewish history in the past, but as read from the point of view of its out-workings in the present old facts interpreted by a spirit-filled disciple of Christ. 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. From that moment on, Saul's life was turned upside down. Stephen was a gifted preacher, but the text shows God gave him wisdom and courage. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. 3:12 ). 3. Stephen recounts the stories of the patriarchs in some depth, and goes into even more detail in the case of Moses. 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. The impression made by Stephens death was even greater than that made by his life. [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]. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. He was likely Jewish: Jews, from an early age, memorized portions of the Old Testament. These apostles were Simon, James, John, Bartholomew, Philip, Andrew, Matthew, Alphaeus, Thomas, Judas, Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen argued with Stephen. The soul remains immortal and therefore, we must choose to stick to our faiths and beliefs. What it is Stephen himself shows unmistakenly in the second part of his defense. Stephen in the Bible Was the First Christian Martyr. He was a deacon and is introduced in the Bible as a faithful man of God. He was the first martyr who was condemned by the devout Jews. 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. Through the life and work of Jesus, everything had changed. Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and when he looked up into heaven, Stephen saw 'the glory of God' (no one is permitted to see God) and on the right side of God, Jesus was standing! [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. Their knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish religion as he would convey it to them would compel them to clear him of the accusation against him as blasphemer and false teacher. Both, when dying, prayed for their enemies: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Lay not this sin to their charge. 4. He was also the first Christian martyr, stoned to death for preaching that Jesus was the Christ. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. He was the first Christian martyr. [6], There are at least five places where Stephen's re-telling of the stories of Israelite history diverges from the scriptures where these stories originated; for instance, Stephen says that Jacob's tomb was in Shechem,[Acts 7:16] but Genesis 50:13[Genesis 50:13] says Jacob's body was carried and buried in a cave in Machpelah at Hebron. That idea threatened long-held beliefs. But, as the record says, his opponents were not able to withstand the wisdom, i.e. We see multiple examples throughout Scripture of how God uses ones upbringing to shape their testimony and how they speak to various audiences. The significance of this difference is borne out by the fact upon which Stephens refutation hinges, namely, the fact, proved by the history of the past, that the development of the divine revelation and the development of the Jewish nation, so far from combining, move in divergent lines, due to a disposition of obstinate disobedience on the part of their fathers, and that therefore not he but they were disobedient to the divine revelation. Take the encounter Israel . 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. Stephen's sermon is a different kind of prophetic speech. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Who was this man who has such a brief mention? It is in reality a philosophy of Israels history and religion, and in so far it was a novum. Before he converted, however, Saul would persecute other Christians in the name of the Sanhedrin, causing early church members to flee Jerusalem, taking the gospel wherever they went. [Acts 7:5860] Saul "approved of their killing him. But rather than be silenced, Stephen spoke with even more boldness. St. Stephen the martyr church, Renton, Washington. Their conspiracy resulted in Stephen being taken into custody, brought before the council of the synagogue, and charged with blasphemy. 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. Gender: Male. Acts 7:55 in all English translations. [12], Of the numerous speeches in Acts of the Apostles, Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin is the longest. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. This does not influence our choices. 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. Stephen was a great man of faith who came from nowhere, but because of his testimony, he was chosen by the church members to take on the role of a deacon. It is not so much a plea in self-defence as a grand apology for the cause which Stephen represents. Stephen had a vision of Jesus and said he saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. First, Stephen shows believers they can have a powerful impact for the kingdom, if even for a short period of time. Answer. [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. Stephen relied on God's messages and according to many Bible scholars, he left a powerful impact on the minds of the people worldwide. Likewise, he contented for the faith with those who were ultra-liberal in their beliefs. LITERATURE. Dr. Mike and his wife, Pamela Rose, live in Northeast Ohio and they have children and grandchildren that live in various states. However, before he died, he called out to God, Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit. Immediately after this, he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge and then he died. And when he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60; compare1 Cor 15). Stephen Howard. For the first king of Hungary, see, Marian Wolniewicz as the translator of the Book of Acts from: The Millennium Holy Bible; Warsaw, 1980, numerous other places named Saint tienne, St. Stephen's School (ICSE/ISC), Sonarpur, Kolkata, St. Stephen's Orthodox Cathedral, Kudassanad, Pandalam, Kerala, Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura, "Article XXI (IX) Of the Invocation of the Saints", "St. Stephen's death shows importance of Scripture, Pope says", "Stephen's Speech: A Theology of Errors? [Acts 7:3943] This establishes the second main theme of Stephen's speech, Israel's disobedience to God. Accused of blasphemy at his trial, he made a speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him[Acts 7:5153] and was then stoned to death. [23][24][25][26][dubious discuss]. The Holy Spirit equips believers to do things they could not humanly do. Email. The result of these deacons being ordained over the care of the widows was the Word of God increasing as the apostles had more time available for their ministry work. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Bible References: The apostle James is mentioned in all four Gospels and his martyrdom is cited in Acts 12:2. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Just like they had murdered several other prophets including Zechariah, the Jews rejected and murdered Christ as well and disregarded the holy beliefs of Christianity. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Acts 6:1-7:As the Apostles numbers grew, because of the size, certain people became overlooked, such as the Gentile widows (opposed to the Hebraic widows). Focus of love and hatred. When the counsel and others heard this they were furious and offended and began screaming and insulting him. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. The account begins with the ascension of Christ (30-33 AD) and runs all the way through to 62-64 AD. Typically Jesus was described as sitting on his heavenly throne, indicating his work was finished. Stephen relied upon the Holy Spirit to give him the Words to say, the strength to persevere under persecution, and the heart to forgive those who were responsible for his death. The Glory of God. Bible References: Stephen's story is told in chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Acts. The Sanhedrin feared this revolutionary message, which got Stephen hauled to the council. St. Stephen Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Little is known about Stephen in the Bible before he was ordained a deacon in the young church, as described in Acts 6:1-6. 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. In appealing to their reason he calls up picture after picture from Abraham to Moses; the speech exhibits vividly the continuity and the progress of the divine revelation which culminated in Jesus of Nazareth, the same thought as that expressed by Christ inMatthew 5:17of the principal agreement between the Old Testament and the New Testament revelation. It is our duty to make this journey memorable and not commit any sins. Since the name "Stephanos" is Greek, it has been assumed that he was one of these Hellenistic Jews. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. That was the only time in the New Testament anyone other than Jesus himself called him the Son of Man. [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. 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. 6. Friedrich Justus Knecht lists the similarities of the martyrdom of Stephen to Jesus' death on the cross: 1. 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. [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 fell asleep" with a prayer for his persecutors on his lips ( 7:60 ). 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