Loving the Scriptures April 6, 2026 Issue

Stephen, early Christian pioneer

After Christ Jesus’ ascension, his most dedicated followers continued his mission of preaching and healing. One staunch believer was Stephen, appointed as a deacon of the young Christian church.

Recognized for his “great wonders and miracles,” Stephen was also a powerful preacher. But he attracted the outrage of some Jews, who strongly objected to his interpretation of the Temple and Mosaic law (see Acts 6:8–14). When he was brought before Jewish authorities, his spirited defense concluded with a pointed rebuke of Jewish rejection of the Messiah (see 7:1–54).

Not surprisingly, Stephen’s listeners reacted indignantly. But it was the next event that led to his stoning: his vision of “the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (7:55, 56). This seemed sacrilegious indeed to them, and the judicial proceedings were disrupted by an angry mob reaction.

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