All we know of Stephen's life is in the Acts of the Apostles, (6-7). He was
one of the seven deacons, probably a Hellenistic Jew, appointed by the
apostles to look after the distribution of aims to the faithful, and to help
in the ministry of preaching.
He was learned in the Scriptures and the history of Judaism, besides being
eloquent and forceful.
The gist of his defence of Christianity was that God does not depend on the
Temple, in so far as, like the Mosaic Law, it was a temporary institution
and destined to be fulfilled and superseded by Christ, who was the prophet
designated by Moses and the Messiah whom the Jewish race had so long
awaited.
He finally attacked his hearers for resisting the Spirit and for killing
Christ as their fathers had killed the prophets.
They stoned him for blasphemy, apparently without a formal trial, and while
he saw a vision of Christ on God's right hand, the witnesses placed their
clothes at the feet of Saul, who later became Paul, who consented to his
death.
There are forty-six ancient churches dedicated to Stephen in England, most
of them being built after the Norman Conquest.
His feast day is the 26th December, Boxing Day.
Written and contributed by Phillip Lloyd.
