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Portrait of StephenPortrait · Stephen

Early Church · New Testament

Stephen

First Christian Martyr and Servant Leader

Name meaning
Crown or wreath
Name origin
Greek: Στέφανος (Stephanos), “crown” or “wreath”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Deacon
  • Preacher
Birthplace
Jerusalem (community; birthplace unstated)
Modern-day location
His birthplace is not specified; Jerusalem is where he served in the early church.
Family
  • One of the Seven chosen to serve
  • No family named
First mention
Acts 6:5
Last mention
Acts 8:2; 22:20
Key artifacts
  • Bread for community service
  • Stone pavement
  • Heaven opened in vision

Key verses

  • “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

    Acts 6:8

  • “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

    Acts 7:56

  • “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”

    Acts 7:60

Biography

Early Life

Stephen was one of seven men chosen to oversee fair distribution to widows in the Jerusalem church.

Defining Biblical Moments

Full of faith and wisdom, Stephen performed wonders, testified before the council, saw a vision of Jesus, and was stoned. Saul witnessed his execution.

Strengths

Stephen combined practical service with courageous, Scripture-grounded witness and forgiveness.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His death exposes the cost of speaking truth to power and the early church’s vulnerability to persecution.

Life Lessons for Today

His death exposes the cost of speaking truth to power and the early church’s vulnerability to persecution.

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Stephen appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #39 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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