Stephen Martyred

Open Your Bible

Acts 7:1-60, Genesis 15:13-14, Deuteronomy 18:15

The cabin lights were dim when the airplane began to dip and jerk. I was flying home from visiting my sister, who at the time lived in Hawaii, and I was aware that we were flying over the vast Pacific Ocean. The plane lurched again, sending my stomach to my throat. Seated between two strangers, I grabbed the armrests with a white knuckle grip, closed my eyes, and prayed. I wish I could say that I had profound thoughts, or a hopeful glimpse of eternity. But all I could think was, I don’t want to die between these two strangers.

In Acts 7, we witness one of the first displays of murderous violence against Christ’s Church. Stephen had been chosen to care for the growing number of new believers—in particular, the community’s widows—and so powerful was his ministry, a group of Jewish leaders within the community rose up in opposition, fearing their loss of influence. There was no doubt about their intentions. Acts 6:12 says they “dragged him off” (HCSB), and brought him to the Sanhedrin. Stephen must have recognized the pattern. It is what had happened to Jesus before a crowd yelled, “Crucify him!”

What would your last words be? Would you ask the murderous crowd for mercy? Would you defend yourself? Stephen does neither. Instead, he launches into an Old Testament exegesis worthy of the world’s best seminary. Throughout history, he says, Israelites have rejected the leaders and prophets God sent to them. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Moses was rejected by his Hebrew neighbors. Having just escaped Egypt, the Israelites still resist God in the desert, begging Aaron to build them a calf to worship. Time and time again, God’s people cut off His outstretched arm. “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51).

He isn’t able to tell the part of the story that we long to hear. He can’t explain the grace that Jesus offers to all of us stiff-necked resisters, because the crowd can’t stand it anymore. Imagine the rush of terror they drag him outside of the city. Coats are thrown down, rocks are picked up. And there goes the first stone. Dust flies up, and now, he is crying out. But he doesn’t call down judgment. He begs God to forgive.

Stephen is the Church’s first martyr. His life was marked by joy, service, and profound suffering. His last words were not about himself, or the injustice of his end. His last thoughts were of his Savior, and of the forgiveness available to all, through Christ’s mercy. 

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53 thoughts on "Stephen Martyred"

  1. Valeria Melendez says:

    I pray to have Stephen’s courage in these times.

  2. Jordan DeJarnette says:

    Amen!

  3. Ashley Bishop says:

    The repetition in Stephen’s speech was striking – how he showed that over and over again the Israeli leaders rejected men sent by God and yet how faithful God was in His promises

  4. Anita Hansen says:

    A beautiful tribute and summary, Claire. Thank you.

  5. Amber Sapp says:

    How great a world this could be if we all strived to be a Stephen!

  6. Maria Baer says:

    I am so in awe that I never heard of Stephen until this Bible study, and what a life of faith, love and service to God. I find myself having so many feelings reading about him, so I’m digesting what I’m feeling before I comment about it. All I can say is that aside from his words, I get a sense of unshakable faith and strength in the Lord. May we all come to feel that same way as we face judgement and prosecution (because I fear it’s coming) for our belief in God Almighty.

  7. Beverly Watley says:

    Wow! Acts 7:55-56 really spoke to my heart ❤️ But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
    vs. 56 And he said, “behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God”.

  8. Lexi B says:

    Foster Mama- thank you so much for praying that for me! Love how God meets all our needs and hears our prayers.
    Nads- thank you for your prayers :)

    Erin Griffith- Thank you! I am launching a new adventure excursion business in my area called Authentic Adventures Central CA. I’m taking my passion and love for the outdoors and hoping to make it a profitable business. It has been SCARY- but God has provided and walked beside me through the whole thing. Providing the business school opportunity is a huge help! So thankful :)

  9. Heidi V says:

    I do as well. I went back and did a different two week study instead of Hosea and her comments were so helpful and insightful. Part of me wonders if maybe that came to feel like pressure and maybe she participates now under a different name but just not in a leadership role. I could certainly understand that!

  10. Brittany Bowers says:

    I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with fear and anxiety. Motherhood brings on a whole new perspective and can cause anxiety and fear in a whole new way. You’re not alone. God has chosen you to be your child’s mother. He will carry you along. God has won and we do have the power of the Holy Spirit!

  11. Emma Schilter says:

    I pray that I may grow my faith as bold & strong as Stephen. I’m struggling right now with fear & anxiety over the future. I don’t know why it scares me…because I know ultimately that God has won because of Jesus and we have the power of the Holy Spirit within. But maybe it’s because I have my first baby – 6 months old. And reading about the infants being tossed out in the beginning of this reading just hurts my heart in so many ways. But so thankful that Moses was saved!
    Anyway…would absolutely appreciate prayers from you amazing warrior women.

  12. Emma Schilter says:

    I pray that I may grow my faith as bold & strong as Stephen. I’m struggling right now with fear & anxiety over the future. I don’t know why it scares me…because I know ultimately that God has won because of Jesus and we have the power of the Holy Spirit within. But maybe it’s because I have my first baby – 6 months old. And reading about the infants being tossed out in the beginning of this reading just hurts my heart in so many ways. But so thankful that Moses was saved!

  13. Emma Schilter says:

    I pray that I may grow my faith as bold & strong as Stephen. I’m struggling right now with fear & anxiety over the future. I don’t know why it scares me…because I know ultimately that God has won because of Jesus and we have the power of the Holy Spirit within. But maybe it’s because I have my first baby – 6 months old. And reading about the infants being tossed out in the beginning of this reading just hurts my heart in so many ways. But so thankful that Moses was saved!

  14. Denise N says:

    @Searching, I think of Churchmouse often.

  15. Sheonece Williams says:

    I pray I have strength and faith like Stephen

  16. Erin Griffith says:

    Congratulations on the new business and school! What type of business are you launching? I’d love to support if possible

  17. Adrienne says:

    Hello, sisters! Hope you had a beautiful day! LEXI B… the podcast and your comment about Jesus standing… amazing, huh? I never caught that before, either. And NADS… what wonderful insight from your mom… I will pray MY Father when I pray that prayer when solo! Prayer requests and ones for thanksgiving offered daily for you, my beautiful friends!

  18. Lynda Pontious says:

    Absolute tears. What a testimony of faith and forgiveness

  19. Sky Hilton says:

    What a beautiful thing it is, to be able to die for God. So many saints, and people filled with the Holy Spirit were able to die for our wonderful savior, rather than choosing to act like they never knew him. It is very sad when a saint or a person filled with the holy spirit is killed because of their faith, but they chose to die for our God rather than regret living life wondering why they gave up their savior. And I don’t think we should get mad at the people who chose to live, because as Christians, we shouldn’t blame anyone, but I think we owe it to God to put ourselves on the line for Him, and possibly die for Him (if that ever comes in our lives)

  20. Amy Bishop says:

    Jesus is not impassionate to my (our) problems. When I (we) stand for the name of Jesus, He stands with me (us).

  21. GramsieSue . says:

    Stephen is the churches first martyr. His life was marked by joy, service, and profound suffering. His last words were not about himself, or the injustice of his end, his last thoughts were of his Savior, and of the forgiveness available to all through Christ’s mercy

  22. Hannah-Rose Ingham says:

    Dear Lord, please help me to have a faith like Stephen. To remember you and bring glory to you in the face of fear of the everyday, let alone fear of death.
    Amen ❤️

  23. Hannah-Rose Ingham says:

    Dear Lord, please help me to have a faith like Stephen. To remember you and bring glory to you in the face of fear of the everyday, let alone fear of death.

  24. Jennifer Anapol says:

    Today’s reading was so powerful! I pray that I would have the strength and faith to handle persecution like Stephen. I pray that when I am suffering for Christ’s sake, I would keep looking at Jesus.

  25. Mandy Ferrugia says:

    Wow. Blown away by today’s reading. God, that I might have the same faith and committed obedience to You as Stephen did. That is my prayer, and the deepest desire of my heart.

  26. Laurel Kinsey says:

    Stephen’s exampl of faith is amazing

  27. Foster Mama says:

    LEXI B – Praise Indeed!! We prayed long ago that whether or not you yourself acquired the “business knowledge” you need that you would have people / resources to support you! Yay!

    DOROTHY, I agree “I just don’t know”…I want to believe that if it were my physical death, I would accept it (although hard to believe I would pray for those responsible) but my bigger “I just don’t know” is those who threaten to ‘kill me’ in small ways, in my daily life, threatening my ability to find peace / breath.

    I am praying for little FINLEY.

  28. Dorothy says:

    Could I ask God to forgive someone who is persecuting me, either physical, emotional, or even spiritual? I want to say yes but I just don’t know. I just don’t know. My faith is strong and has gotten me through a lot but being stoned or killed in any way for my faith, I just don’t know.
    Lord God help me to strong and to spread the message of Your Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit where ever I go. Help me to not falter when the going gets tough. Thank You for sending Your One and Only Son to die for me so that I may eternal life. I PRAISE Your Name and the Name of Your Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
    Sisters, Finley, the little girl I care for is having eye surgery today. It will be an outpatient surgery. Please pray everything turns out okay.
    Be blessed and praise the Lord sisters.

  29. Victoria E says:

    I only have a few minutes but I had to comment and thank everyone for their insightful comments! I LOvE the verse where it describes Stephen looking up into heaven, I believe in the Greek the word is attenizo- a feeling of attentively looking, being transfixed by what you are looking at, not a mere glancing up. Stephen was staring at Jesus and pouring all his focus on Him and Jesus was standing! In heaven for him. I believe most other times He is described at sitting at the right hand of God. So. Incredible you guys!!! I am continuing in prayer for you and thank you for your prayers on my behalf !

  30. Nads says:

    Oh and LEXI B and all those with tough stuff in career…

  31. Nads says:

    I woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago, and had a rare feeling of complete PEACE in my Saviour! It is making me tearful and wanting to pray for each of you:

    Lord,

    KARRIE and her family’s healing and joy; VALENTINA & Victoria; blessings for SEARCHING and KELLY and all those who pray and follow-up so diligently re: our needs/wants; ERB for her continued zest, zeal, health & brother — lift her up as she does us and Your Word; VICTORIA E’s family and all those who are pregnant, fill her and hubby with unshakable hope; all the new moms with the joys/difficulties/anxiety/awe that can accompany a baby; all childless mothers that You would show them that You have something perfect for them, perhaps exactly (or not at all) what they imagine for themselves; favour for FOSTER MAMA to be fully understood in a way that will heal “her” babies, their new parents and the relationships; for those looking for you to bless their singleness but, perhaps hoping for marriage; all those who’s physical or mental health is wavering; all those recovering from illness or waiting on a diagnosis, please facilitate the path; for those have experienced loss sometimes in unspeakable ways; for CHURCHMOUSE because we all miss her; for TINA’s light to continue to shine bright; for freedom from pride; for ALL the hearts broken over our own and/or someone else’s distance from you; for JULIA, MARTHA H, KRISTEN, GRAMSIESUE, MAURA, ARINA, TRACI G, ADRIENNE, BROOKE P, NIKKI T, DOROTHY, ((Uh-oh, being rushed out the door!!))for all those who’s names I have forgotten but, who’s needs I have not;… GENUINELY FOR EVERY SINGLE ONE of my sisters here, whether commenting or not, who’s hearts YOU know, who come together before you each day, sometimes with fervour, sometimes distracted, sometimes out of fear or obligation, often thirsty for You,…

    Lord, I lay ALL these and the uncertainty / doubt / fear/etc. that creeps in SO easily…at Your feet. Lord Jesus, crush satan and his evil under our feet

    (Lately, my mother who has often prayed “MY Father, who art in Heaven…” when I have struggled lately has encouraged me to go to my “powerful Daddy” and go sit on His lap, knowing he’ll listen. God willing, my parents are coming over this weekend…hubby and I have recently acquired a piece of art called “Child of God” by Mark Missman. I think Mom will love it; check it out Sisters!…it has been a blessing to me.)

    I hope coherent…

  32. Lexi B says:

    I love how on the Podcast, Christine Caine mentions that Jesus, who is usually sitting, was standing at the right hand of God and this is one of the only places in the bible that mentions He did that. How beautiful to know that Jesus was standing for Steven. I had never really thought of that until the podcast. I also have this thought- I want to have enough faith that Jesus stands up for me!

    Again, thank you all so much for your prayers. As things at work seem to get worse God continues to bless my business.
    Praise report time: I got accepted into Fresno Black Chamber Betting Big Program! I had my first meeting last night. They are pretty much helping us get everything we need to fully launch our business, have access to capital, mentors, legal and accounting services, an intern  and have a fully written business plan by January. I’m excited! With the program I have a new time commitment for classes for the next three months on Tuesdays and Thursdays until Jan 22. It’s back to school for me, but I am so thankful to God for the opportunity. My biggest fear was that I have no business experience and now He’s provided me with a program that will teach me all I need to know.

  33. Valentina says:

    @Karrie-God, please be with Karrie’s girls right now. I’m sure they are and have been extremely hurt. Please help them see past their hurt and into the reconciliation that You have brought upon Karrie and her husband. Help them to also join in being reconciled in this relationship.

  34. Valentina says:

    I thought about writing this yesterday, but decided to wait until today since Saul/Paul had not made his appearance yet in our reading. Yesterday one of the sub-passages was from 1 Timothy 3 listing the qualifications for a Deacon. PAUL wrote that list to Timothy. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had thoughts or flashbacks of Stephen, whom he accepted the responsibility of his death for, as he was writing that list.
    I too have been missing CHURCHMOUSE’s insight and wisdom. So thankful for the rest of you SRT sisters who bring wisdom and insight to the rest of us, and deep respect for those of you who do so daily. I also pray for and praise with the many prayer requests and then later praise updates as they are written when God brings them to mind. You and your loved ones are all treasures and greatly loved by our wonderful Creator.
    I know I had mentioned a prayer request on here a while ago for salvation for my unbelieving sister, Victoria. Please continue to pray for her salvation, that she will come to realize that she will not find true hope in any other name but the Name of Jesus.

  35. Karrie says:

    Thank u for your prayers @searching. Life has been rough lately and my morning SRT is the one thing I look forward to! Please pray for my girls to soften their hearts toward my husband and forgive him as we are trying to reconcile. We are living in separate houses at the moment and the girls are making it extremely difficult to work things out. Also, with so much tension and pressure, I find it difficult to get out of bed each morning and feel exhausted all day long. I’m fighting depression these days and not sure how to dig out of this hole. Please pray for my family, to restore joy and happiness back into our home.

  36. Jenn Burris says:

    Amen Kelly!

  37. CL says:

    Stephen DID finish his sermon! His giving his life spoke volumes about his DEEP faith in Jesus! And it spoke to Paul as he referred to the impact Stephen’s stoning had on him.

  38. Maura says:

    Good Morning Sisters! I have always been sad at Stevens story, but Wow is whhat I agree on ERB, such faith and we witness Jesus grace in Stephen’s death again by a mob not yelling crucify him but picking up stones. Arina I love what you wrote, I do see that Stephen did finish his preaching in the best way he could with the grace of God on his lips, praying that those who were in the act of murder be forgiven. Lauren, praying for your insurance to move forward quickly to cover your mri, for answers, and for healing. Traci, praying for your husband and Tanner. Sisters praying we see God’s miraculous mercies and realize all he is doing. Hugs and love wrapped in His light as Tina might say.

  39. Susie H says:

    I keep thinking how God took someone like Stephen, great in faith and gave him the job of waiting tables and taking care of some of the “lowest” people. I think I tend to look at that and think his strengths were wasted (could be used better for some other task) and yet how mightily God used him! Seems to me that God is saying this kind of service is the MOST important task in the church.

  40. Erica Chiarelli says:

    I cant help but think that even as someone by today’s standards, he would seem like a “nobody”. Stephen helped serve the widows. Yet even in this lowly position, God used him to reach even us now. He was used even then mightily, enough to cause fear in the heart of the religious men. Stephen preached to them, and we are reading it thousands of years later! Wow! It is truly heartbreaking to read, but I’m thankful that his last vision was of Jesus before falling asleep and entering glory. God gave him peace in his final moments. Amen.

  41. Brooke P says:

    Stephen. Acts 7. Wow. My favorite. This beautiful retelling of Israel’s history and with all boldness Stephen holds fast to the truth. Stephen doesn’t hold back speaking the truth about what these people hve done and continued to do right instep with their ancestors. He doesn’t hold back even though he knows the end will be near because “which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute ? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murders you have now become.” v.52 BUT THEN, the most beautiful sight—filled with the Holy Spirit he saw the GLORY OF GOD and JESUS standing at the right hand of God!! Stephen, strong leader even to through his death, speaking the truth to them without pause, without holding it back to spare their feelings, after all that, he asked for the Lord to receive his spirit and to not hold their sin against them. Beautiful. Wow. An amazing example even in death. Also not to mention a preview of SAUL is here too. More to come with Saul soon. Wow. Praise GOD for Stephen, praise God for the power of the Old Testament, praiseGod for His mercy & steadfastness. One last thing, Israel, worshiping the stars and images they claim to have made—there really is nothing new under the sun in humanity. “Did not my hand make all these things?” v.50

  42. Lauren says:

    “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9. Our culture today is filled with “Stephen Stonings”, euphemistically speaking; destroying people we don’t agree with via social media and other means. The hatred, anger and vitriol… well sometimes it’s beyond my comprehension and I in turn, harbor ugliness toward those who perpetuate these actions. Dear Stephen, so infused with Jesus in his spirit, pours out forgiveness, grace to his attackers and welcomes his journey home to Our Father’s arms. I will think of Stephen’s example today, praying that mercy and God’s grace pours out of me, whether I feel it or not. A prayer request: I’ve been struggling with an ongoing health issue and my insurance co. is dragging its feet in approving an mri that my doctor really needs for diagnosis and treatment. They have sent an appeal on my behalf and waiting for the answer. I’ll have the MRI one way or another: either paid for by my insurance or by me, so please pray for a swift resolution to this issue, thanks.

  43. Aimee D-R says:

    Father let me always see my Lord Jesus at your right hand and feel your Holy Spirit in me. Amen

  44. Taylor says:

    I love how God’s grace is woven all throughout Scripture and we got another review of Deuteronomy in today’s readings :) God wants EVERY heart to know Him and love Him, and He can use even horrible situations like this to bring people to Him. We don’t know for sure but I wonder if Stephen’s death made any of the Sanhedrin or maybe even any of the onlookers think and repent as we see the foreshadowing with Saul/Paul standing and watching.

  45. Jessica Fehland says:

    Such a powerful chapter. I wish they would have let Stephen finish his sermon.
    Love your thoughts Arina!

  46. Jessica Fehland says:

    Such a powerful chapter. I wish they would have let Stephen finish his sermon. Love your thoughts Arina!

  47. ERB says:

    I have no words other than… WOW!!!

    the last verse says that Stephen fell asleep. I was curious about this and looked it up… it means “He died quietly, as one fallen into a sleep.” WHOA!!!!

    Such an example!!

  48. Melanie says:

    Wow May I have a forgiving heart like Stephen. Thank you for your prayers for my FIL he is out of the hospital. He is doing ok. It seems he may have suffered a stroke We head to the neurologist tomorrow. Pray for MIL it’s hard to be a caretaker all the time. Praying for God to move in my son today. Thank you

  49. Kelly says:

    Lord, be with your people today who are persecuted for their witness of Your Son, Jesus. Strengthen their resolve, grant them Your courage and peace, and give them Your wisdom and words when they stand before their accusers.
    Let me be an advocate for them and not grow complacent in my comfort.
    Praying for your requests ❤

  50. Kristen says:

    Good Morning! @ Brooke P. for what you wrote about Stephen yesterday and for praying for transplant recipients and now my mom’s friend! Thank you @ Victoria’s E, Jessie, Maura, and Traci so much for praying! Traci praying for God’s peace and protection for you and your son. I am praying for all on here! I am so grateful. Hope everyone has a beautiful day!

  51. SEARCHING says:

    So painful to read about Stephen’s death, by stoning no less. Such an amazing witness for the Lord, yet those listening (who really needed the message – as do we all) were so hardened and blinded by sin/satan that they could not hear his words spoken to their ears & hearts. I was shocked when I read this summer (June, I think) that a crowd had stoned a gunman in Texas and killed him. I’m not in any way taking up for the gunman but am trying to grasp the mindset of those that killed Stephen and the power/persuasion of crowds. How many stones have to be thrown to kill someone? How long do the people have to think about what they are doing as they pick up one stone, aim, throw and then pick up another?

    The killing of Stephen was another futile attempt to thwart God’s plans, and in v. 58, there stands Saul/Paul. If I ever doubt whether my sins, or a particular sin, can be forgiven – I only need to think about Paul, his vengeance against Jesus’ followers, his conversion and his work for the Lord afterwards. When I pray time and again for someone’s salvation and doubt creeps in about whether they can be reached, there’s the example of Paul.

    SHIANNE HAYDEN – I have not seen any posts related to an update on CHURCHMOUSE. I pray that she is ok. I read a while back where some posters had reached out to SRT but if they responded to us somehow, I didn’t see it. I do remember Churchmouse mentioning that she had been involved in or contributed to SRT when it was just getting started so surely someone in the organization knows her or who she is.

    KRISTEN – praying for Jan’s health and for your dad.

    MICHELLE RYAN and LEXI B – praying for wisdom in your work situations

    BROOKE P – praying for you and your family’s needs

    VICTORIA E – thank you for the update, continuing to pray

    TINA – praying for you. You are loved and missed.

    NIKKI TOLSON – praying for you, stick with us!

    KARRIE – praying for you and your family

    Praying for other requests as I read through the posts

  52. Arina says:

    Stephen isn’t able to finish his sermon. A sermon about sinful, disobedient people, just like the people listening to Stephen and us. But all throughout God’s grace is shown. God who doesn’t give up on His people. And when Stephen isn’t able to tell his listeners that this grace is also available for them, even though they crucified Christ, he shows it with his life. Showing that their is forgiveness, even when they kill him, an innocent man. His grace covers every sin.

  53. Foster Mama says:

    Hi KELLY, Thank you so much for your follow-up; my dad is stable (other than his too-frequent “episodes”) for now, thank Jesus but, he has aged 10 years in the past one year and it is tough to watch… Clearly, God is not finished with him / adjustment.

    Thank you ALL for your prayers…know that I am praying for you, especially related to Mental Health and post partum; I COMPLETELY agree that God has given us resources around us (such as medication, counselling, support groups, etc…) and we are to use them according to our needs.

    SKY HILTON, when I read your comment from a couple days ago, I thought “How can she say that?! OF COURSE He will welcome her with open arms, love everything she is trying to offer Him. She does NOT need to do it ‘perfectly’…He never loses love / faith in us!!” and THEN I realized I was preaching to MYSELF, against the thoughts I often have…so Thank You, dear sister for opening up. ❤️ God bless you.