Character Study Of Stephen – The First Christian Martyr Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF STEPHEN – THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MARTYR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 6:1-15, Acts 7:1-60

"And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'" (Acts 7:59, NKJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 3:12, Revelation 2:10, Luke 23:34, Daniel 12:3

INTRODUCTION

Stephen was one of the most outstanding figures in the early church. He was chosen as one of the seven deacons to help manage the distribution of food among believers. However, he was not just a servant; he was full of faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. His powerful preaching and miracles provoked opposition from the Jewish leaders, leading to his trial and execution by stoning. He became the first Christian martyr, setting an example of courage, faith, and forgiveness.

1. STEPHEN WAS A MAN FULL OF FAITH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

a) He was chosen because of his godly character (Acts 6:3-5)

The apostles instructed the church to select men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, and Stephen was one of them.

b) He had strong faith in God (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith pleases God, and Stephen demonstrated unwavering trust in Him.

c) He was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:8)

Through the Holy Spirit, he performed great wonders and signs among the people.

d) His wisdom was undeniable (Acts 6:10)

Even his opponents could not resist the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel, a man of wisdom and divine favour (Daniel 1:17, 6:3)

Like Stephen, Daniel was filled with wisdom and the Spirit of God, making him excel.

2. STEPHEN WAS A POWERFUL PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL

a) He boldly defended the faith (Acts 7:2-53)

Stephen preached a powerful sermon recounting Israel’s history and accusing the Jewish leaders of resisting God.

b) He exposed the sins of his accusers (Acts 7:51-52)

He fearlessly rebuked the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and rejection of Christ.

c) His message was based on Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Stephen used the Old Testament to explain God’s plan and point to Jesus as the Messiah.

d) He spoke with divine authority (Matthew 10:19-20)

When he was brought before the council, he did not fear but spoke as the Spirit led him.

e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist, who boldly confronted sin (Matthew 3:7-12)

Like Stephen, John the Baptist did not compromise the truth, even at the cost of his life.

3. STEPHEN FACED OPPOSITION AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS

a) The religious leaders conspired against him (Acts 6:11)

They secretly persuaded men to accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and God.

b) He was falsely accused before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:13-14)

They presented false witnesses who twisted his words to make him appear guilty.

c) He remained calm and fearless (Acts 6:15)

Even in the face of opposition, his face shone like that of an angel, showing his confidence in God.

d) Persecution is part of the Christian journey (2 Timothy 3:12)

Everyone who desires to live a godly life will face persecution, just as Stephen did.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus, who was falsely accused and condemned (Matthew 26:59-60)

Like Stephen, Jesus was accused by false witnesses and condemned to death.

4. STEPHEN BECAME THE FIRST MARTYR FOR CHRIST

a) He was cast out of the city and stoned (Acts 7:57-58)

His enemies were furious at his message, dragged him out, and killed him by stoning.

b) He prayed for his killers (Acts 7:60)

Before dying, he cried out, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin," showing a heart of forgiveness.

c) He committed his spirit to Jesus (Acts 7:59)

Like Christ on the cross, he surrendered his life into God's hands.

d) His death was witnessed by Saul (Acts 7:58)

Saul (later Paul) was present, and this event may have influenced his later conversion.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus, who prayed for His enemies (Luke 23:34)

Stephen followed Jesus’ example, forgiving his persecutors even as he died.

5. STEPHEN'S DEATH HAD A LASTING IMPACT

a) His martyrdom spread the gospel (Acts 8:1, 4)

His death led to great persecution, but the believers scattered and preached the word everywhere.

b) His testimony may have influenced Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:3-5)

Paul later became a great preacher, and Stephen’s faithfulness may have planted a seed in his heart.

c) He received a heavenly vision (Acts 7:55-56)

Before his death, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ready to receive him.

d) Martyrs have a special reward (Revelation 2:10)

Those who remain faithful unto death receive the crown of life.

e) Biblical Example: The blood of the martyrs as the seed of the church (Revelation 6:9-11)

Throughout history, the death of believers has strengthened the church rather than destroyed it.

STRENGTHS OF STEPHEN

1. Full of faith and the Holy Spirit – He was empowered by God.