Stephen

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek Stephanos, “crown” (often linked with honor or victory)
• Period/Era: Early Church (Second Temple Period; Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: Acts 6–7
• Key Connections: The Jerusalem church; the Twelve apostles; the “seven” appointed for service; Saul (later Paul)

Who was Stephen?

Stephen was a Hellenistic Jewish believer in Jesus in the Jerusalem church.
He was chosen among seven men to oversee practical service so the apostles could focus on prayer and the word.
Acts portrays him as “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” and as a public witness to Jesus amid synagogue opposition.
He was executed by stoning, becoming the first recorded martyr in Acts.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Chosen by the Jerusalem community as one of the seven appointed to manage daily distribution (Acts 6:1–6)
• Event 2: Arrested and tried before the council after disputes with members of synagogues (Acts 6:8–15)
• Event 3: Delivered a long defense centered on Israel’s history and the temple, then was stoned outside the city (Acts 7)

Life Lesson & Legacy

Stephen’s testimony shows how early Christian witness to Jesus could combine Scripture-shaped proclamation with endurance under persecution.

Key Verse

"And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”" — Acts 7:59, ESV