Hitchhiker's Guide to Religion
Biblical

Stephen

The First Martyr

Biblical Preaching, miracles, theological argument, martyrdom Early 1st century CE — martyred c. 33–36 CE; the first Christian martyr after the crucifixion of Jesus Jerusalem — the Hellenistic Jewish diaspora community (he was likely a Greek-speaking Diaspora Jew — *Stephanōs* is Greek, not Aramaic)
Portrait of Stephen
Portrait of Stephen
Rank Deacon / Protomartyr
Domain Preaching, miracles, theological argument, martyrdom
Period Early 1st century CE — martyred c. 33–36 CE; the first Christian martyr after the crucifixion of Jesus
Alignment Holy
Power RARE 62

Attributes

ATK
15
DEF
30
SPR
92
SPD
35
INT
88
CHA
92
WIS
95
END
45

Combat Profile

ATK DEF SPR SPD INT CHA WIS END
Special Move

Martyr's Testimony

Stephen's final vision grants allies divine clarity, revealing hidden truths and strengthening resolve in the face of persecution.

Passive

Spirit-Filled Wisdom

Stephen's arguments and miracles are infused with Holy Spirit guidance, making his words and acts inherently persuasive and miraculous to believers.

Stephen was “full of God’s grace and power” and performed “great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). His defense speech (Acts 7) is a masterclass in theological prosecution: he retells Israel’s history to prove that Israel always rejected God’s messengers — Joseph, Moses, the prophets — and then declares: “You stiff-necked people! You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (7:51). The Sanhedrin “gnashed their teeth at him,” but Stephen saw a vision: “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (7:56). They dragged him out and stoned him. The witnesses “laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul” (7:58). That Saul became Paul. Stephen’s death was the catalyst for the great persecution that scattered the church — and that scattering spread Christianity across the Roman world. His dying words mirror Jesus’ from the cross.

1 min read
Primary Source

Acts 6-7

Early 1st century CE — martyred c. 33–36 CE; the first Christian martyr after the crucifixion of Jesus — See in timeline
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