What does the Bible say about the stoning of Stephen?

The stoning of Stephen is recorded in Acts 6:8 through 7:60. Stephen was the first recorded martyr of the early church and a man full of faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit.

Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve in the daily distribution to widows (Acts 6:1–6), performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who could not withstand his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:10). Unable to refute him, they falsely accused him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God, stirred up the people, and brought him before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:12–13).

Before the council, Stephen delivered a powerful message recounting Israel’s history. He spoke of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and the rejection of God’s messengers. He declared that the Jews had always resisted the Holy Spirit, betrayed, and murdered the Just One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51–52). His words cut to the heart of the council, and they were enraged.

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:56). At this, the council cried out, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord. They cast him out of the city and stoned him. As he was dying, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and then cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” After saying this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:59–60).

Those who stoned Stephen laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul (Acts 7:58).

Stephen’s martyrdom reveals the cost of faithful witness and the courage of one who stands firmly in the truth. His Christlike forgiveness and vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand affirm his acceptance into eternal glory and inspire believers to remain steadfast, even in persecution.

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