Martyrdom of Stephen

Biblical Text and Narrative

The account appears in Acts 6:8–8:2. The Jerusalem church chose seven men to oversee the distribution of relief. Stephen was one of them and is introduced as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:5). Members of the synagogue of the Libertines (freedmen, that is, former slaves) disputed with him but could not prevail. They then put forward false witnesses who accused Stephen of speaking against the temple and the law, and they brought him before the council (the Sanhedrin) (Acts 6:9–14).

In chapter 7, Stephen responds with a lengthy sermon. He reviews the history of Israel from Abraham through Joseph and Moses to the tabernacle and the temple. He declares that "the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48). He also rebukes his hearers, charging that just as their fathers persecuted the prophets, they have killed the Just One (Acts 7:51–53).

Stephen then says that he sees the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God. The crowd drags him out of the city and stones him, and the witnesses lay their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul (Acts 7:58). Stephen prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," and then dies (Acts 7:59–60). Afterward a great persecution arises against the church in Jerusalem, and the believers, except for the apostles, are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1).

Background

The name "Stephen" comes from the Greek Stephanos, meaning "crown," that is, a wreath worn on the head. Because his name is Greek and his opponents belonged to Greek-speaking synagogues, many regard him as one of the Hellenistic Jews.

Stoning was the punishment the law prescribed for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16). However, Rome is generally understood to have limited the Jewish authorities' power to carry out executions at that time (cf. John 18:31). Scholars therefore differ on whether Stephen's execution followed a formal verdict of the council or was an act of mob violence.

Broader Biblical Significance

Stephen is recorded as the first person in the New Testament to be killed for his faith and is therefore called the "first martyr" (protomartyr). The word "martyr" in Western languages derives from the Greek martys, meaning "witness." Paul later referred to him as "thy martyr Stephen" (Acts 22:20).

His final prayers resemble the words Jesus spoke on the cross (Luke 23:34, 46) and are often read alongside the Seven Sayings from the Cross. Through the believers scattered as a result of these events, the gospel spread to Samaria and Antioch (Acts 8:4; 11:19). Moreover, Saul, who was present at the execution, was later converted and became Paul (see Conversion of Paul).

Interpretations and Debated Questions

• The "standing" Son of man: Other New Testament passages describe Christ as "sitting" at the right hand of God, whereas this passage describes him as "standing." Some interpret this as a gesture of welcoming the martyr; others see Christ rising as a witness or advocate.
• The nature of the critique of the temple: Some interpreters read Stephen's sermon as a critique of the temple system itself. Others read it as a rebuke of the attitude that God could be confined within the temple.
• The Seven and the diaconate: Scripture does not explicitly call the seven men "deacons." However, because their work is associated with "service" (diakonia), many denominations regard them as the origin of the office of deacon. Some hold that they cannot simply be equated with the modern office of deacon.
• Later tradition: Details such as the exact site of the execution and accounts of the discovery of his remains are later traditions not found in Scripture. The Catholic Church observes his feast day on December 26, and the Eastern Orthodox Church on December 27.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church he is commonly called "Deacon Stephen." Acts 6 is frequently used as the sermon text at ordination services for deacons. Stephen's prayer for his enemies is cited in sermons on forgiveness and the faith of the martyrs. He is also often mentioned when Korean churches commemorate their own martyrs, such as Ju Gi-cheol and Son Yang-won.