Why was Stephen martyred while doing good?

Stephen was martyred because he boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ, exposed the sins of Israel’s leaders, and stood firm in faith despite opposition. His death was not a failure of God’s plan but a fulfillment of Christ’s words that His followers would suffer for righteousness. Stephen’s faithfulness even in death glorified God and helped launch the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Stephen was described as:

“A man full of faith and the Holy Spirit… full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.”
(Acts 6:5, 8)

Though he was appointed to serve tables, Stephen also preached powerfully. His wisdom and Spirit-filled words could not be refuted. This led to false accusations and his arrest:

“They secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’”
(Acts 6:11)

At his trial, Stephen gave a powerful defense rooted in Scripture, recounting Israel’s history of resisting God. He then confronted the Sanhedrin directly:

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit… who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”
(Acts 7:51–53)

This enraged the council. But Stephen was full of the Spirit and saw heaven opened:

“Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
(Acts 7:56)

They rushed him, cast him out of the city, and stoned him. As he died, he echoed Jesus’ words:

“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”
(Acts 7:60)

Stephen died doing good because faithfulness to God often brings conflict with the world. His death mirrored Christ’s love and forgiveness. It also marked a turning point. The persecution that followed scattered believers, fulfilling Jesus’ commission to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8:1).

Stephen was the first Christian martyr, and his witness lives on. His death was not in vain. It was a seed that helped bear fruit in the early church, even impacting Saul, who would later become Paul.

Help Support The Ministry:

________________

 

MORE ANSWERS TO BIBLE QUESTIONS:

________________

________________

 

BIBLE STUDIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:

________________