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== Historical Background == | == Historical Background == | ||
In the first century AD, the saints of the early Church, having received the [[The Holy Spirit|Holy Spirit]] on [[Pentecost]], boldly preached [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] as the [[Redeemer|Savior]]. Thousands were [[Baptism|baptized]] daily,<ref>[https:// | In the first century AD, the saints of the early Church, having received the [[The Holy Spirit|Holy Spirit]] on [[Pentecost]], boldly preached [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] as the [[Redeemer|Savior]]. Thousands were [[Baptism|baptized]] daily,<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A38-41&version=NIV Acts 2:38-41]</ref> and the number of converts to Christianity grew rapidly.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A7&version=NIV Acts 6:7]</ref> The Jewish religious leaders, jealous of this, imprisoned the apostles and flogged them publicly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5%3A17-40&version=NIV |title=Acts 5:17–40|publisher=|quote= }}</ref> However, the [[Apostle|apostles]] rejoiced in their suffering for Jesus’ name and continued to preach the gospel tirelessly, both in public and in private.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205%3A41-42&version=NIV Acts 5:41-42].</ref> | ||
== Life of Stephen == | == Life of Stephen == | ||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
=== Appointed as a Deacon === | === Appointed as a Deacon === | ||
*'''The Challenge of Aid Distribution Among Hellenistic Jewish Believers''' | *'''The Challenge of Aid Distribution Among Hellenistic Jewish Believers''' | ||
As the fervor of the [[gospel]] spread, the number of [[Christian|Christians]] grew, and the members lived in communal life, sharing everything in common.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A44-46&version=NIV |title=Acts 2:44–46|publisher=|quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A32&version=NIV |title=Acts 4:32|publisher=|quote= }}</ref> The Jerusalem church, led by the apostles, was primarily composed of [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aramaic-language Aramaic]-speaking Jews native to Israel (Hebrews), alongside a smaller group of Greek-speaking Jews who had settled abroad and later returned to Jerusalem (Hellenists). At that time, the [[church]] had a custom of helping widows in need, but the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and necessities. This oversight occurred because the apostles were so consumed with preaching the gospel that they had little time to manage the day-to-day affairs of the church.<ref>[https://www.simplybible.com/f78i-acts-c6-v1-15.htm Acts 6:1-15 verse by verse], ''Simplybible.com'' </ref> Meanwhile, the Hellenists expressed their discontent over this issue.<ref>[https:// | As the fervor of the [[gospel]] spread, the number of [[Christian|Christians]] grew, and the members lived in communal life, sharing everything in common.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A44-46&version=NIV |title=Acts 2:44–46|publisher=|quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A32&version=NIV |title=Acts 4:32|publisher=|quote= }}</ref> The Jerusalem church, led by the apostles, was primarily composed of [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aramaic-language Aramaic]-speaking Jews native to Israel (Hebrews), alongside a smaller group of Greek-speaking Jews who had settled abroad and later returned to Jerusalem (Hellenists). At that time, the [[church]] had a custom of helping widows in need, but the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and necessities. This oversight occurred because the apostles were so consumed with preaching the gospel that they had little time to manage the day-to-day affairs of the church.<ref>[https://www.simplybible.com/f78i-acts-c6-v1-15.htm Acts 6:1-15 verse by verse], ''Simplybible.com'' </ref> Meanwhile, the Hellenists expressed their discontent over this issue.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A1&version=NIV Acts 6:1]</ref> | ||
*'''Election of Seven Deacons''' | *'''Election of Seven Deacons''' | ||
The apostles gathered all the disciples and asked them to select workers to manage the church's finances and administrative matters. Everyone agreed with joy, believing that the problems they faced could be resolved if the apostles focused on ''prayer'' and ''preaching God’s word'' while the elected workers attended to the service of the church. Seven trustworthy men—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas—were chosen. The apostles laid their hands on them, and they became the first Christian deacons. After this, the church became more organized, and the number of disciples in [[Jerusalem]] grew rapidly.<ref>[https:// | The apostles gathered all the disciples and asked them to select workers to manage the church's finances and administrative matters. Everyone agreed with joy, believing that the problems they faced could be resolved if the apostles focused on ''prayer'' and ''preaching God’s word'' while the elected workers attended to the service of the church. Seven trustworthy men—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas—were chosen. The apostles laid their hands on them, and they became the first Christian deacons. After this, the church became more organized, and the number of disciples in [[Jerusalem]] grew rapidly.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A2-7&version=NIV Acts 6:2-7].</ref> | ||
===Devoted to Volunteer Service and Preaching=== | ===Devoted to Volunteer Service and Preaching=== | ||
Stephen, one of the seven deacons, was known for his great faith. He performed miracles<ref>[https:// | Stephen, one of the seven deacons, was known for his great faith. He performed miracles<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A8&version=NIV Acts 6:8]. "스데반이 은혜와 권능이 충만하여 큰 기사와 표적을 민간에 행하니"</ref> while serving in church administration and engaged in theological discussions with the Jews, drawing from his deep understanding of the law. At that time, there were synagogues in Jerusalem established by Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. Stephen engaged in discussions at these [[Synagogue|synagogues]], but no one could withstand the wisdom with which he spoke.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A9-10&version=NIV Acts 6:9-10]. "리버디노 구레네인, 알렉산드리아인, 길리기아와 아시아에서 온 사람들의 회당이라는 각 회당에서 어떤자들이 일어나 스데반으로 더불어 변론할새 스데반이 지혜와 성령으로 말함을 저희가 능히 당치 못하여"</ref> | ||
===Arrested by the Sanhedrin=== | ===Arrested by the Sanhedrin=== | ||
*'''The Jews’ Schemes''' | *'''The Jews’ Schemes''' | ||
[[file:Sanhedrin1.jpg |thumb| 200px |''The Sanhedrin, the highest judicial body in Jewish society'' by unknown author, 1883]] | [[file:Sanhedrin1.jpg |thumb| 200px |''The Sanhedrin, the highest judicial body in Jewish society'' by unknown author, 1883]] | ||
This caused hostility toward Stephen within Judaism. Many Jews believed that his teachings stemmed from the faith of Jesus of [[Nazareth]].<ref>[https:// | This caused hostility toward Stephen within Judaism. Many Jews believed that his teachings stemmed from the faith of Jesus of [[Nazareth]].<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A14&version=NIV Acts 6:14]. "그의 말에 이 나사렛 예수가 이곳을 헐고 또 모세가 우리에게 전하여 준 규례를 고치겠다 함을 우리가 들었노라 하거늘"</ref> To them, Stephen was a dangerous figure who were threatening the religious heritage preserved for generations. Determined to eliminate him, they plotted against Stephen, spreading rumors and enlisting influential figures such as [[Elder|elders]] and [[Teacher of the Law|scribes]].<ref>[https://wordonline.org/videos/stephen-preaches-with-power-and-miracles?lang=en Stephen preaches with power and miracles], ''Word Online'', September 24, 2021</ref> They brought him before the [[Sanhedrin]], the highest judicial body in Judaism, accusing him of blasphemy against [[Moses]] and [[God]] and of recklessly altering the law.<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A11-12&version=NIV Acts 6:11-12]. "사람들을 가르쳐 말시키되 이 사람이 모세와 및 하나님을 모독하는 말 하는 것을 우리가 들었노라 하게 하고 백성과 장로와 서기관들을 충동시켜 와서 잡아 가지고 공회에 이르러"</ref> They employed the same deceptive tactics they had used to frame [[Jesus Christ]]. | ||
*'''Speech to Sanhedrin''' | *'''Speech to Sanhedrin''' | ||
The false witnesses, summoned by the Jews, accused Stephen in court of saying that he would destroy the [[temple]] and change the [[law of Moses]].<ref>[https:// | The false witnesses, summoned by the Jews, accused Stephen in court of saying that he would destroy the [[temple]] and change the [[law of Moses]].<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%206%3A13-14&version=NIV Acts 6:13-14]. "거짓 증인들을 세우니 가로되 이 사람이 이 거룩한 곳과 율법을 거스려 말하기를 마지 아니하는도다 그의 말에 이 나사렛 예수가 이곳을 헐고 또 모세가 우리에게 전하여 준 규례를 고치겠다 함을 우리가 들었노라 하거늘"</ref> When the high priest asked, “Is this true?” Stephen confidently preached about Jesus, standing firm in his faith. He recounted the history of their forefathers, who, without recognizing God’s grace, had persecuted the prophets. He then accused them of killing Jesus, the Righteous One, just as their ancestors had done. Stephen boldly testified about [[Christ]] in the Sanhedrin, rebuking them for [[Cross|crucifying]] Him, the [[God in the Flesh (Incarnation)|One who came in the flesh]] to fulfill the prophecies of the [[Bible]]. | ||
{{quote5 |내용=“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now '''you have betrayed and murdered him(Jesus)'''--you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”|출처=[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%207%3A51%E2%80%9353&version=NIV Acts 7:51–53]}} | {{quote5 |내용=“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now '''you have betrayed and murdered him(Jesus)'''--you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”|출처=[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%207%3A51%E2%80%9353&version=NIV Acts 7:51–53]}} | ||
When the people heard Stephen’s word, were filled with guilt and anger, grinding their teeth. At the end of his speech, Stephen’s spiritual eyes were opened and he saw the spiritual world. He declared, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”<ref>[https:// | When the people heard Stephen’s word, were filled with guilt and anger, grinding their teeth. At the end of his speech, Stephen’s spiritual eyes were opened and he saw the spiritual world. He declared, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%207%3A54-56&version=NIV Acts 7:54-56]</ref> | ||
===Martyrdom=== | ===Martyrdom=== | ||
Revision as of 22:18, 26 December 2024
| Stephen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Period | Apostolic Age |
| Occupation(Features) | Deacon |
| Major achievements | Protomartyr |
Stephen (Greek: Στέφανος)[1] was the first martyr of early Christianity. His name means crown, and he was one of the seven deacons chosen to oversee aid distribution in the early Christian community.[2] He was arrested by the Sanhedrin court on charges of blasphemy, orchestrated by Jewish leaders, and was subsequently executed. Apostle Paul, before his conversion to Christianity, participated in Stephen’s martyrdom. Paradoxically, while Stephen’s death intensified persecution against Christians, it also became a pivotal moment that propelled the spread of the gospel beyond the Jewish world.”
Historical Background
In the first century AD, the saints of the early Church, having received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, boldly preached Jesus as the Savior. Thousands were baptized daily,[3] and the number of converts to Christianity grew rapidly.[4] The Jewish religious leaders, jealous of this, imprisoned the apostles and flogged them publicly.[5] However, the apostles rejoiced in their suffering for Jesus’ name and continued to preach the gospel tirelessly, both in public and in private.[6]
Life of Stephen
Appointed as a Deacon
- The Challenge of Aid Distribution Among Hellenistic Jewish Believers
As the fervor of the gospel spread, the number of Christians grew, and the members lived in communal life, sharing everything in common.[7][8] The Jerusalem church, led by the apostles, was primarily composed of Aramaic-speaking Jews native to Israel (Hebrews), alongside a smaller group of Greek-speaking Jews who had settled abroad and later returned to Jerusalem (Hellenists). At that time, the church had a custom of helping widows in need, but the Hellenistic widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and necessities. This oversight occurred because the apostles were so consumed with preaching the gospel that they had little time to manage the day-to-day affairs of the church.[9] Meanwhile, the Hellenists expressed their discontent over this issue.[10]
- Election of Seven Deacons
The apostles gathered all the disciples and asked them to select workers to manage the church's finances and administrative matters. Everyone agreed with joy, believing that the problems they faced could be resolved if the apostles focused on prayer and preaching God’s word while the elected workers attended to the service of the church. Seven trustworthy men—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas—were chosen. The apostles laid their hands on them, and they became the first Christian deacons. After this, the church became more organized, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly.[11]
Devoted to Volunteer Service and Preaching
Stephen, one of the seven deacons, was known for his great faith. He performed miracles[12] while serving in church administration and engaged in theological discussions with the Jews, drawing from his deep understanding of the law. At that time, there were synagogues in Jerusalem established by Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. Stephen engaged in discussions at these synagogues, but no one could withstand the wisdom with which he spoke.[13]
Arrested by the Sanhedrin
- The Jews’ Schemes
This caused hostility toward Stephen within Judaism. Many Jews believed that his teachings stemmed from the faith of Jesus of Nazareth.[14] To them, Stephen was a dangerous figure who were threatening the religious heritage preserved for generations. Determined to eliminate him, they plotted against Stephen, spreading rumors and enlisting influential figures such as elders and scribes.[15] They brought him before the Sanhedrin, the highest judicial body in Judaism, accusing him of blasphemy against Moses and God and of recklessly altering the law.[16] They employed the same deceptive tactics they had used to frame Jesus Christ.
- Speech to Sanhedrin
The false witnesses, summoned by the Jews, accused Stephen in court of saying that he would destroy the temple and change the law of Moses.[17] When the high priest asked, “Is this true?” Stephen confidently preached about Jesus, standing firm in his faith. He recounted the history of their forefathers, who, without recognizing God’s grace, had persecuted the prophets. He then accused them of killing Jesus, the Righteous One, just as their ancestors had done. Stephen boldly testified about Christ in the Sanhedrin, rebuking them for crucifying Him, the One who came in the flesh to fulfill the prophecies of the Bible.
“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him(Jesus)--you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
When the people heard Stephen’s word, were filled with guilt and anger, grinding their teeth. At the end of his speech, Stephen’s spiritual eyes were opened and he saw the spiritual world. He declared, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”[18]
Martyrdom
Hearing this, the people could no longer contain their anger. They covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, rushed at him. They dragged him out of the city and threw stones at him. Saul (who would later be known as Paul the Apostle) was present at the scene. As the people stoned him, Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then, kneeling down, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” With these words, he closed his eyes.[19] Devout men buried Stephen and lamented greatly for him.[20]
Influence of Stephen’s Martyrdom
After his martyrdom, a large-scale persecution of Christians broke out in Jerusalem, causing the saints to scatter to various places. All the Christians at that time fled to all Judea and Samaria to escape the persecution, with only the apostles remaining in Jerusalem. Stephen’s death further ignited the faith of the disciples, leading them to spread the gospel even more fervently. The Christians who had fled preached the gospel wherever they went.[21] Philip, for instance, preached in many villages in Samaria and even baptized a eunuch, who held great authority over the finances of the queen of Ethiopia, in the desert.[22] Additionally, churches were established in Antioch, a pagan region.[23]
Lesson
As the first deacon of the early Church, Stephen was dedicated to testifying about Christ. He remained steadfast in his faith until the moment he fell asleep, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the gospel. One of the most remarkable moments of his life was when he prayed for the Jews who were stoning him.[19] Had he responded purely with human nature, he might have harbored hatred toward those who executed him with deceit and cruelty. Yet, he was able to forgive them because he had received Christ and lived a truly transformed, born-again life. His unwavering faith, even in the face of death, serves as a lasting example for Christians today.
See also
References
- ↑ Strong's Greek: 4735. στέφανος (stephanos), Bible Hub
- ↑ Who Was St. Stephen and Why Did He Die?, Bible Study Tools
- ↑ Acts 2:38-41
- ↑ Acts 6:7
- ↑ "Acts 5:17–40".
- ↑ Acts 5:41-42.
- ↑ "Acts 2:44–46".
- ↑ "Acts 4:32".
- ↑ Acts 6:1-15 verse by verse, Simplybible.com
- ↑ Acts 6:1
- ↑ Acts 6:2-7.
- ↑ Acts 6:8. "스데반이 은혜와 권능이 충만하여 큰 기사와 표적을 민간에 행하니"
- ↑ Acts 6:9-10. "리버디노 구레네인, 알렉산드리아인, 길리기아와 아시아에서 온 사람들의 회당이라는 각 회당에서 어떤자들이 일어나 스데반으로 더불어 변론할새 스데반이 지혜와 성령으로 말함을 저희가 능히 당치 못하여"
- ↑ Acts 6:14. "그의 말에 이 나사렛 예수가 이곳을 헐고 또 모세가 우리에게 전하여 준 규례를 고치겠다 함을 우리가 들었노라 하거늘"
- ↑ Stephen preaches with power and miracles, Word Online, September 24, 2021
- ↑ Acts 6:11-12. "사람들을 가르쳐 말시키되 이 사람이 모세와 및 하나님을 모독하는 말 하는 것을 우리가 들었노라 하게 하고 백성과 장로와 서기관들을 충동시켜 와서 잡아 가지고 공회에 이르러"
- ↑ Acts 6:13-14. "거짓 증인들을 세우니 가로되 이 사람이 이 거룩한 곳과 율법을 거스려 말하기를 마지 아니하는도다 그의 말에 이 나사렛 예수가 이곳을 헐고 또 모세가 우리에게 전하여 준 규례를 고치겠다 함을 우리가 들었노라 하거늘"
- ↑ Acts 7:54-56
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Acts 7:57-60. "저희가 큰 소리를 지르며 귀를 막고 일심으로 그에게 달려들어 성 밖에 내치고 돌로 칠새 증인들이 옷을 벗어 사울이라 하는 청년의 발앞에 두니라 저희가 돌로 스데반을 치니 스데반이 부르짖어 가로되 주 예수여 내 영혼을 받으시옵소서 하고 무릎을 꿇고 크게 불러 가로되 주여 이 죄를 저들에게 돌리지 마옵소서 이 말을 하고 자니라"
- ↑ Acts 8:2. "경건한 사람들이 스데반을 장사하고 위하여 크게 울더라"
- ↑ Acts 8:4-5. "그 흩어진 사람들이 두루 다니며 복음의 말씀을 전할새 빌립이 사마리아 성에 내려가 그리스도를 백성에게 전파하니"
- ↑ "Acts 8:26–39".
- ↑ Acts 11:19. " 때에 스데반의 일로 일어난 환난을 인하여 흩어진 자들이 베니게와 구브로와 안디옥까지 이르러"