The early church
Stephen
One of the seven, stoned outside Jerusalem
- 2
- Events
- 1
- Places
- 3
- Journeys
Editorial summary
A man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, chosen as one of the seven. Accused before the council, he answered with a long speech and was stoned outside the city, while Saul consented to his death.
Scripture
Journeys
3Where their story unfolds
1Where they appear
2Seven men chosen to serve
When the Hellenists complained that their widows were neglected in the daily service, the Twelve asked the disciples to choose seven men full of the Spirit and of wisdom. They chose Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus and set them before the apostles, and after prayer hands were laid on them.
Stephen’s speech and death
Stephen, who did great wonders, was seized and brought before the council, where false witnesses accused him of speaking against the temple and the law. He answered with a long account of Israel’s history. Enraged, they threw him out of the city and stoned him as he prayed, and Saul consented to his death.