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.