Saint Stephen was a deacon in the early church of Jerusalem. Soon after Jesus’s resurrection he was chosen to serve along with many others to look after the well being of the fellow Christians. His role was to distribute food and aid to the poor specially widows. He was known for his wisdom, faith and miracles which was liked and held respect with the early believers.
Stephen preached boldly about Life of Jesus. His teachings were well corded and disliked by the other religious leaders who felt threatened about his fame and they began to accuse him of his speaking against the Temple and the old Jewish Law. Thus, he created a rift and anger amongst the Jewish leaders. He was brought before the council for questioning. During one such trial he delivered a powerful speech defending his new faith which provoked them and were furious, dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death. As he was dying Stephen prayed for the attackers saying “Lord do not hold this sin against them”, thus act of forgiveness made a strong impact on Christian charity.
Saint Stepehen’s martyrdom strengthened the early Church. His courage and determination inspired many to remain firm in their faith. He is the first martyr of Christianity also known as PROTOMARYR. He was born in 1 AD and died at the age of 33 years. We celebrate his feast on 26th December.
Saint Stephen was a powerful preacher. Hi speeches in the Jewish synagogues disturbed the Jewish people who accused him of preaching wrong things, hey accused him that 1. He declared that Jesus would destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and that 2. He had changed the custom of Moses. These two accusations angered them that they decided to finish
off with him.
We have a saint so powerful from the early church who fought with coords and challenges the Jews defending the Christian faith. We pray to
him to instill this faith in us.
Rosarito Coelho, SCC 8