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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