Stephen was a deacon in the first Christian church in Jerusalem. He was arrested and tried for heresy. At his trial, Stephen preached a sermon that proved his accusers were wrong about his ministry, and still he was stoned to death.

Stephen was chosen to be a deacon because of his faith. He was not afraid to live for Christ. In Jerusalem, Christianity was new; and like all new things, it was met with resistance. But Stephen’s ministry could not be disputed; he spoke with eloquence and the knowledge of the Scriptures. Many of Stephen’s accusers bore false testimony, but there were also many who believed Stephen’s ministry was false, and that it was an affront to the faith of their forefathers. Stephen was aware of this, but he followed the Holy Spirit and spoke the truth. Steven is known for being the first martyr of Christianity. He is a martyr because he lived for Christ, and chose physical death over spiritual death.

The story of Stephen can be found in Acts 6-8.