What is the relationship between St Stephen and Jesus?

Answer 1

There seems some possibility that the story in Acts of the trial and execution of Stephen is derivative, inspired by and based on earlier accounts, including the passion of Jesus. St Stephen is portrayed as a saintly deacon of the early church and the first Christian martyr, but the details in the story of his death suggests a literary relationship with the story of Jesus, rather than a personal, spiritual one.

First of all, Robert Eisenman (The Dead Sea Scrolls and the First Christians) draws parallels between the trial, vision and execution of James to the trial, vision and stoning of Stephen, in Acts.

More importantly, Raymond E. Brown (An Introduction to the New Testament) says that the death of Stephen in Actsmatches closely the death of Jesus in Luke. Both accounts speak of the Son of Man at the right hand of God (Luke 22:69; Acts 7:56); both have a prayer for the forgiveness of those who are effecting this execution ( Luke 23:34a; Acts 7:60); both have the dying figure commend his spirit heavenward (L uke 23:46; Acts 7:59). In the figure of Peter, Acts has shown continuity with Jesus' ministry of healing and preaching; in the figure of Stephen Acts has shown continuity with Jesus' death. And just as Jesus' death was not the end because the apostles would receive his Spirit to carry on the work, the death of Stephen is not the end, for observing is a young man named Saul (7:58). He consents to the death ( 8:1a), but in God's providence he will continue the work of Stephen. Brown says that we can never verify the existence and martyrdom of Stephen.

Answer 2

Saul (Paul) originally was a Pharisee who persecuted the early church and was present at the stoning of St. Stephen. Eventually he had a revelation from Our Lord to stop persecuting him - "Saul, Saul why do you persecute me." Paul gave up his blood lust towards the Christians and became one himself. For a long time he was not trusted by the other apostles who knew of his reputation. Paul eventually gained their trust when he became the "Apostle to the Gentiles" and made great inroads in their conversion. Paul is also responsible for writing much of the New Testament in the form of the letters (epistles) he wrote to new Chrisitan congregations he had established.