Stephen the Protomartyr

New Testament Witness · first century

Stephen is appointed among the Seven, performs signs, disputes with opponents, testifies before the council, sees the Son of Man in glory, and is killed while praying for his persecutors.

Perspective note

Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching.

Scripture

Acts 6:1-7 — Stephen is chosen among the Seven for the community's ministry.
Acts 6:8-15 — Stephen's witness leads to accusation and arrest.
Acts 7:1-60 — Stephen's speech, vision, martyrdom, and prayer for his killers.
Acts 8:1-4 — Stephen's death is followed by persecution and wider scattering of the word.

Sources and further reading

USCCB: Acts 6 — Stephen chosen among the Seven (Canonical primary text)
USCCB: Acts 7 — Stephen's testimony and death (Canonical primary text)

All records