St. Stephen is one of the earliest martyrs of the Church. Although many of the details of his life have not been recorded, a few facts have survived the test of time, especially through the account offered in the Acts of the Apostles.

St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons in the early Christian Church. He was a convert from Judaism, and he enjoyed lively debates with other Jews about Christianity. His robust manner eventually caused him to get into trouble.

Figure 14-1: St. Stephen

Stephen was accused of blasphemy and brought before the high priest. He responded to the charges brought before him by turning them against his accusers, saying that they had always persecuted their prophets and turned away from the law, and now they had killed Jesus. (Acts 7:51–52)

Stephen's words infuriated his accusers. But he continued to speak, describing a vision of Christ. “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) These words caused his accusers to run him out of the city and pelt him with stones until he died.

Like Christ, he died praying for forgiveness for those who took his life. As he was dying he said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” In the centuries to follow, many more martyrs followed his example — dying horrible deaths with words of forgiveness and peace on their lips.