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Commemorating The Feast of
† Saint Stephen, First Martyr Devoted to Jesus Christ †
Artist Unknown
Saint Stephen's name is derived from the Greek Stephanos, meaning "crown", which translated into Aramaic as Kelil. Traditionally, Stephen is invested with a crown of martyrdom for Christianity; he is often depicted in art with three stones and the martyrs' palm.
According to The Acts of the Apostles Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11) and speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14). While on trial, he experienced a theophany in which he saw both God the Father and God the Son:
- "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." ( Acts 7:56 ).
He was stoned to death A.D. 34–35 by an infuriated mob encouraged by Saul of Tarsus. Stephen's final speech was presented as accusing the Jews of persecuting prophets who spoke out against their sins:
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"Which one of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute, and they killed the ones who prophesied the coming of the Just One, of whom now, too, you have become betrayers and murderers."
In the Golden Legend Saint Stephen was appointed by the apostles as one of seven deacons to comfort the widows among the Christians of Gentile origin. Jealous of Stephen's success in his ministry, the Sanhedrin conspire to bring him down. First, they attempt to defeat him by way of argument, but are unsuccessful since the Holy Spirit arms Stephen with divine wisdom. Next, they bring false witnesses, who accuse him of blaspheming against God, Moses, the Law, and the Tabernacle. Aided by an angel, Stephen refutes every point, a refutation recounted in the Legend in some detail. Finally, they try torture; still, Stephen attempts to convert them by inciting shame and fear in them, and by showing their love for him—he prays for his killers as he is being stoned.
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