facts about stephen in the biblefacts about stephen in the bible

Instead of disputing the accuracy of their charges, he took the opportunity before the large numbers of people there to share the Gospel of Salvation, beginning all the way back with the calling of Abraham out of idolatry. He preached the teachings of Christ to the Greek-speaking Jews. According to the Bible stories, Stephen was a faithful man who possessed charismatic powers. creative tips and more. Twelve of these disciples were designated by the Lord himself as apostles who spread the Gospel. Thus the new feature that it furnishes is its philosophy of this history which might be termed the Christian philosophy of Jewish history. We met Stephen in our last study, where he was picked as one of the seven men to help distribute food to the Hellenistic widows in a fair manner. He deserves as well to be called the first great apologist for Christianity, since it was this that brought on his death as a martyr (circa 36 or 37 AD). The other two Philips in the Bible were servants of Christ and instrumental in the early church: Philip the disciple and apostle of Christ, and Philip the . Seeing themselves beaten, they took recourse to the ignoble method of declaring him a blasphemer and a heretic, by using the same foul means that the enemies of Jesus had resorted to, by suborning false witnesses to the plot, by stirring up the people against him, by appealing to their Jewish prejudices and to the scribes and elders, members of the Sanhedrin, and thus eventually brought about his arraignment. But rather than be silenced, Stephen spoke with even more boldness. If you like what you're reading, you can get free daily updates through the RSS feed here. In the same way, the Jews had refused to listen to Jesus during his ministry on earth and, instead, killed him when they could no longer stand his words. Even Philo characterizes the Law of Moses in distinction from the laws of other nations, as stedfast, immovable and unchangeable, placing it on a level with the laws of Nature. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. This language is important. Many early Christians were martyred in the time after Christ. Stephen in the Bible is known as the first Christian martyr. Stephen (Greek: Stphanos, meaning "wreath, crown" and by extension "reward, honor, renown, fame", often given as a title rather than as a name; c. 5 c. 34 AD) is traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity. He showed that time and time again when it looked like the promise of coming of the Messiah would be prevented, God intervened. He deserves as well to be called the first great apologist for Christianity, since it was this that brought on his death as a martyr (circa 36 or 37 AD). Their knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish religion as he would convey it to them would compel them to clear him of the accusation against him as blasphemer and false teacher. Stephen [N] [H] [S] one of the seven deacons, who became a preacher of the gospel. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! When Stephen preached an impassioned defense of Christianity, a mob dragged him outside the city and stoned him. Since the name "Stephanos" is Greek, it has been assumed that he was one of these Hellenistic Jews. It is noteworthy, however, that the Jewish legal forms were observed, as if to give to the violence the appearance of legality. (Unfortunately, today, most churches continue to neglect widows that are the responsibility of the church. Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr. Peter the Apostle - Member of Jesus' Inner Circle, Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices and History, John Chrysostom, the Golden-Tongued Preacher, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. He relied on the Holy Spirit who showed him the right path. Third, and most importantly, Stephen shows us the cost of faith. Due to his honesty and wisdom, he was chosen as one of the seven deacons by the young church members of early Christianity. Enroll in Online Course. They were told to choose men who were full of faith and the Holy Ghost. What Do We Learn from Reading Jesus Genealogy? According to the New Testament, the apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus. In Stephen's death, as in Christ's, both love and evil are seen in clear focus. (b) The Jews to whom these revelations were granted, so far from being thankful at all stages of their history, had been slow to believe and understand them because they would not be obedient (Acts 7:39,Acts 7:57). Seeing a need to delegate roles, the disciples elected the first seven deacons known to the Christian faith. Her column "Hope's Hacks," tips and tricks to avoid writer's block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young's blog, which receives 63,000+ monthly hits. Thus he belonged to that class of Jews usually residing outside of Palestine who, though distinguished from the orthodox Palestinian Jew by a broader outlook on life due to a more liberal education, were Jews none the less, the original Jewish element predominating in their character, and who might be true Israelites indeed, as Stephen was. Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. Phillip was the name of two of King Herod the Great's sons by different wives ( Luke 3:1 and Matthew 14:3 ). St. Stephen's Church, Thope, is one of the parishes of the first diocese of India, Kollam. But Stephen was especially qualified for this high work, having been endued by the Holy Spirit with apostolical gifts, not only that of preaching, but also that of working miracles (Acts 6:8). Gender: Male. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Before he converted, however, Saul would persecute other Christians in the name of the Sanhedrin, causing early church members to flee Jerusalem, taking the gospel wherever they went. [28] Stephen is remembered in the Church of England with a Festival on 26 December.[29]. In his freer views of Jewish law and customs, due to his deeper conception and better understanding of the essence of Christianity, he even excelled the apostles. Members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen argued with Stephen. After that, the relics of the protomartyr were taken in procession to the Church of Hagia Sion on 26 December 415, making it the date for the feast of Saint Stephen. The Jewish laws, ceremonies, temple and priesthood had fulfilled their purpose and were no longer necessary. This also has the effect of pushing the Feast of the Holy Innocents to the 29 December. He also had Hellenistic roots: This articlefrom Encyclopedia Britannica says he was a Hellenistic Jew (a foreign-born Jew), which would make sense why the apostles would place him in charge of the distribution of food to the Hellenistic widows. Learn more about Dr. Mike at Christianity Every Day. Local churches were beginning to be established and there arose some problems with Greek widows being neglected in their care. Due to his efforts, the gospel spread throughout the nation, thus infuriating the council of Sanhedrins. It's library of books The Bible is a library of 66 books, written by 44 authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit over a period of about 1,500 years. He was deeply influenced by Christianity and shared a strong connection with God himself. Stephens story shows us that no matter how insignificant we may think our role is, we can use it to reach others for Christ and endure the persecution that is sure to follow. (1912), I. He came out of nowhere but was, however, an extremely righteous man. Email. All rights reserved. 3:12 ). They dragged him to appear before the Sanhedrin, the supreme legal court of Jewish elders, accusing him of preaching against the Temple and the Mosaic Law. I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God!" Stephen is known for being the first Christian martyr. This disposition of disobedience so characteristic of the race in its whole history, because, in spite of the divine revelation received, they remained unregenerate (Acts 7:51), reached its culmination in that awful crime of betrayal and murder committed by the present generation upon the Righteous One whose coming the prophets had predicted the rejection of Jesus of Nazareth, by which the Jews doomed not only their national existence, but also their temple-worship and the reign of the Law to destruction (Acts 6:14). He did not fear the consequences and decided to speak boldly against the failure of Israel to recognize their Messiah. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, a Pharisee and Roman citizen who would later become a Christian apostle, participated in Stephen's martyrdom. He was a deacon and is introduced in the Bible as a faithful man of God. The Catholic churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Anglican, Lutheran, and Oriental Orthodox churches refer to Stephen as a saint who is much closer to God than the high priest, and therefore, he is often regarded as Saint Stephen. Accused of blasphemy at his trial, he made a speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him[Acts 7:5153] and was then stoned to death. It is our duty to make this journey memorable and not commit any sins. Dr Michael L has written 155 articles on What Christians Want To Know! God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, [Acts 7:30-32] and inspired Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. This church was destroyed in the 12th century. Uncovering of his relics (relics of the saints: Nicodemus, Gamaliel and Abibas son of Gamaliel were also found in Saint Stephen's tomb) took place in 415, Gamaliel appeared to presbyter Lucian[ru] and he told him to go to Jerusalem and inform Bishop John about relics of Saint Stephen. He was one of the first to conceive of the fact that Christianity represented a new order of things and as such would inevitably supersede the old order. Appointed one of the committee of seven to oversee the daily ministration. It is mostly used as a title instead of a name, and is variously described as 'fame, reward, honor, or renown'. 3. [6], Some people have laid the charge of anti-Judaism against the speech, for instance the priest and scholar of comparative religion S. G. F. Brandon, who states: "The anti-Jewish polemic of this speech reflects the attitude of the author of Acts."[16]. That was the only time in the New Testament anyone other than Jesus himself called him the Son of Man. Stephen's name is derived from the Greek name "Stfanos" and means "honor," "wreath" or "crown" and Stephen may have been the first Christian martyr . In the Eastern Orthodox Church, those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite, and in Oriental Orthodox Churches (e.g., Coptic, Syrian, Malankara) Saint Stephen's feast day is celebrated on 27 December, due to the celebration of the Synaxis of the Theotokos on the 26 December. Stephen tried to make people understand that Christianity is a completely different sect and God's new covenant. Stephens new role did not stop with the daily routine of helping elderly widows, he used his role to demonstrate wonders and miracles among the people. Following Stephen's death, the early Church mourned with great sadness its very first martyr. [2] The reason for the appointment of the deacons is stated to have been dissatisfaction among Hellenistic (that is, Greek-influenced and Greek-speaking) Jews that their widows were being slighted in preference to Hebraic ones in the daily distribution of food. Now the audience could restrain its rage no longer, and the catastrophe followed immediately. He was an extremely righteous man who was appointed by the early Church to feed the widows. The emotional appeal lies in the reverential and feeling manner in which he handles the history sacred to them all. The Catholic, Anglican, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran churches and the Church of the East view Stephen as a saint. [1] According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was a deacon in the early Church at Jerusalem who angered members of various synagogues by his teachings. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit, strong in faith, gifted in the working of miracles and brilliant in debating with the opponents of Christianity (Acts 6:1-10). Dr. Mike and his wife, Pamela Rose, live in Northeast Ohio and they have children and grandchildren that live in various states. A young man watching the murder was Saul of Tarsus. Who was this man who has such a brief mention? He is the patron saint of Altar Servers, bricklayers, casket makers and deacons and his feast day is celebrated on December 26. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. The disciples chose Stephen, and six others, and prayed over them as they began their ministry. 9 But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and . In dioceses of the Armenian Church which use the Julian Calendar, Saint Stephen's Day falls on 7 January and Nativity/Theophany on 19 January (for the remainder of the 21st century Julian). Of his conversion to Christianity we know nothing, though there is a tradition that he was among the Seventy. [30] Bishop John II with bishops Eusthia (from Sebastia) and Eleutherius (from Jericho) came to the tomb in Beit Jimal and translated relics to Jerusalem, this event is commemorated on 15 September. "He fell asleep" with a prayer for his persecutors on his lips ( 7:60 ). I want to draw four lessons from Stephen's death: 1. Stephen was the first Christian who was murdered for spreading the words of Christ. They were interred alongside the relics of Saint Lawrence, whose tomb is enshrined within the church. Both, when dying, prayed for their enemies: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Lay not this sin to their charge. 4. Martyrdom of Stephen. 3 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Stephen provided a point-by-point explanation following the Old Testament and put forth the various examples angering those who condemned Jesus. As Christ had been drawn into controversy with Pharisees and scribes on account of these freer views, and as His word about the temple was used to frame the accusation against Him in His trial, so also in the case of Stephen. There was no blasphemy on the part of Stephen, save by perversion of his words. His story is wholly contained in two chapters in the book of Acts, but it provides a glimpse into life in the early church and serves as an example of how our faith in Christ can lead to great things. 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. a Greek-speaking Jew. bible, A 20th-century French Catholic church, Saint-tienne, was built in its place, while another, the Greek Orthodox Church of St Stephen, was built outside the eastern gate of the city,[18] which a second tradition holds to be the site of his martyrdom, rather than the northern location outside Damascus Gate (for the two traditions see here). Acts 6:8:Stephen performs various wonders and signs. That idea threatened long-held beliefs. Luke for Everyone - N. T. Wright 2004-01-01 Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This resulted in the number of new disciples in Jerusalem increasing along with a large number of priests being saved. What seems like a tragedy can somehow be part of God's great plan. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. The material world is nothing in comparison to the afterlife. Stephen in the Bible Known for: Stephen was a Hellenist Jew and one of seven men ordained as deacons in the early church. Thus it was gradual, and as it had begun before Moses it was not completed by him, as is evident from his own words, A prophet shall God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me (Acts 7:2-37). He was a man full of the Holy Spirit, strong in faith, gifted in the working of miracles and brilliant in debating with the opponents of Christianity ( Acts 6:1-10 ). He was likely Jewish: Jews, from an early age, memorized portions of the Old Testament. 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