Stephen is known for a couple of firsts. He was one of the first deacons in the early church.

Stephen will also be remembered as being the first martyr of the early church.

Stephen’s preaching put him in contention with many people in the synagogue in Jerusalem. {Acts 6 verse 9}

Stephen was arrested, and even though capital punishment was reserved for the Roman authority, offense against the Temple still could be prosecuted by the Sanhedrin, and Stephen was stoned to death.

Stephen modeled Jesus even in death. He commits his spirit to Jesus,as Jesus Himself had done to the Father, and Stephen asks for forgiveness for his persecutors.

Strengthens to remember Stephen by:

Known and remembered for his qualities of faith, wisdom grace and power and for the Holy Spirit’s presence in his life.

Great, leader, teacher, and debater.

Carrying out his responsibilities as deacon well.

Lessons top be learnt from Stephen’s Life:

Always striving for excellence in all he did.

Real understanding of His beliefs and He knew Jesus as the Christ. His Redeemer.

Verse to live by Acts 59 verse 60: “Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord , do not charge them with this sin!’ And saying this, he fell asleep”.

Read about Stephen in acts 6 verse 3 to Acts 8 verse 2.

God Bless.

O F J.