Saint Stephen

Who is he?

Saint Stephen is the first martyr, which means the first person to die for Jesus after Jesus rose and went up to heaven. He was one of the first seven deacons of the Church. His story is told in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6 and 7. The Church celebrates his feast the day after Christmas.

Life story

The first Church in Jerusalem was growing larger and larger. The poor widows needed their daily share of food to be given out fairly, while the Apostles had to devote themselves to prayer and preaching God’s Word. So the community chose seven men full of the Spirit and of wisdom to take care of this service. Stephen was the first one named, a man full of faith. The Apostles prayed and laid their hands on them (cf. Acts 6:1-6).

Stephen was full of grace and power and did great wonders among the people (cf. Acts 6:8). He preached about Jesus so wisely that those who argued with him could not answer him. So they got people to tell lies about him, arrested him and brought him before the Council. Everyone who looked at him saw that his face was like the face of an angel (cf. Acts 6:15).

He bravely told the history of God’s people, and said plainly that they had not listened to the prophets. They became furious. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and said: “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).

They covered their ears, dragged him out of the city and stoned him. He prayed: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). After saying this, he fell asleep in the Lord, just like Jesus on the cross, who forgave and gave his spirit into the Father’s hands.

That day, a young man named Saul stood guarding the cloaks of those who were throwing stones (cf. Acts 7:58). Later, that same Saul met Jesus and became Saint Paul the Apostle.

Why is he a saint?

Saint Stephen loved Jesus so much that he dared to die for him. He served the poor and also bravely preached God’s Word. And even in the middle of his pain, he forgave the people who killed him. Many people believe his prayer helped Saul to be converted.

A lesson for you

• Help the poor, the elderly and the lonely people around you, just as Saint Stephen served the widows.
• When friends make fun of you for going to Mass or catechism, stay cheerful and brave; don’t be ashamed of God.
• Pray for the person who made you sad: sometimes that prayer can change their whole life.