Stephen

Stephen (Greek: Stephanos, 'crown') was a Greek-speaking Jew who had come to faith in Jesus as part of the Jerusalem church. When a dispute arose over the daily distribution of food to widows, the twelve apostles asked the congregation to select seven men of good reputation to oversee this ministry. Stephen was chosen first, described as 'a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit' (Act.6.5). He went on to perform great wonders and signs among the people and engaged in debate with men from various synagogues, who found they could not counter his wisdom. His opponents brought him before the Sanhedrin on charges of speaking against the temple and the Law of Moses. Stephen's response — the longest speech in Acts — traced Israel's history from Abraham through Joseph, Moses, and the wilderness, arguing that Israel had repeatedly rejected God's messengers. He concluded by accusing the council of resisting the Holy Spirit as their ancestors had done and of betraying and murdering the Righteous One. The crowd rushed him outside the city and stoned him. Stephen prayed for those killing him, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them,' and commended his spirit to Jesus — closely echoing the words of Jesus on the cross. A young man named Saul watched over the garments of those who stoned him.