Stephen, the First Martyr
The story of Stephen, recorded in the book of Acts, stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church. He was the first to seal his testimony with his blood, bridging the gap between the ministry of the Apostles and the global expansion of the Gospel. By examining this event through the lens of supporting scriptures, we find a profound blueprint for Christian courage and the ultimate triumph of faith over fury. The Heritage of Resistance (2 Chronicles 24:20-22) Stephen’s martyrdom was not an isolated incident but the continuation of a long history of prophetic suffering. Before his death, Stephen rebuked his accusers for resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. There is a direct parallel between Stephen and Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, in 2 Chronicles 24. Zechariah was filled with the Spirit to rebuke the people’s idolatry and was subsequently stoned in the court of the Lord’s house. Note here that the “blood of the Old Testament martyrs” cried out fo...
