Bible Dictionary
Stephen
Stephen was one of the seven appointed to serve the Jerusalem church and became a powerful preacher of Christ. He was the first Christian martyr, praying for his persecutors as he was stoned.
Biblical Usage
Stephen defended the gospel before the Sanhedrin, arguing from Israel’s history that God’s presence and favor were not confined to the land or temple. He was falsely accused, stoned outside Jerusalem, and became the first Christian martyr. He prayed for his persecutors, and Saul witnessed his death.
Scripture References