When the congregation increased the apostles said: Choose seven men as
overseers for the poor, for it is not fit that we should forsake the
Word of God and serve tables. And the congregation chose Stephen and six
others; and the apostles prayed and laid their hands on them.--Stephen
was full of faith and power and wrought great wonders among the people.
And certain scribes arose and disputed with Stephen. And they were not
able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. Then
they seized him and brought him before the council, and they suborned
false witnesses, who said: We have heard him speak blasphemous words
against the temple and against Moses. Stephen made a speech and showed
that the Jews had always resisted God. When they heard this, they were
enraged; but Stephen looked steadfastly up into heaven and said: Behold,
I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand
of God. But they rushed upon him and cast him out of the city and stoned
him. But Stephen prayed: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled
down and cried with a loud voice: Lord, lay not this sin to their
charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Those who stoned
Stephen laid down their garments at the feet of a young Pharisee named
Saul. And Saul was consenting unto his death. (Acts 6-7.)
Stephen is the first Christian martyr; martyrs, that is, witnesses, are
those who suffer death for the sake of Christ.