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Saint Stephen is only known from Acts of the Apostles, which tells us that Stephen was interrogated because of his success in preaching to the Jews, although why they chose to try Stephen rather than Peter or any of the other apostles is not made clear. However, this was not real reson for his martyrdom.

Rather than defend himself against the charges made against him, Acts says that Stephen engaged in a monologue, surely designed simply to insult the Jews. When he saw that this angered the priests who were trying him, Stephen looked upwards and saw heaven open and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Apparently the others could not see what Stephen saw, and cast him out of the city, to be stoned to death.

We now know that what Stephen saw was scientifically impossible, yet Acts gives this as the immediate reason for his martyrdom. Moreover, Raymond E. Brown (An Introduction to the New Testament) says that we can never verify the martyrdom or even existence of Stephen.

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10y ago
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1d ago

Saint Stephen was a martyr because he was falsely accused of blasphemy and preaching against Jewish laws. He was stoned to death for his Christian beliefs and became the first Christian martyr. His death marked the beginning of persecution against Christians in Jerusalem.

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Who is the patron saint for a person named Stephen?

Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr


Was Saint Peter the first martyr?

No, St. Stephen was the first martyr.


When is the feast of Saint Stephen?

December 26 is the feast of Stephen, deacon and martyr.


Which saint prayed for his persecutors as they stoned him?

Saint Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr, prayed for his persecutors as they stoned him. He asked God to forgive them for their actions before he died.


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He was stoned to death.


How did the first martyr die?

The first martyr was Saint Stephen. He was stoned to death for his faith.


What was the first deacon who also was the first martyr?

The first Deacon who also was the first Martyr of the the Catholic Church is Saint Stephen.


How did Stephen become a saint?

Stephen was a Christian martyr who was stoned to death for his faith. His martyrdom is recorded in the Bible in the book of Acts. As the first Christian martyr, Stephen's devotion to God and forgiveness of his persecutors led to his recognition as a saint in the Christian tradition.


How did Saint Stephen I die?

Pope Saint Stephen I apparently died of natural causes although he was listed as a martyr for many years. The Depositio episcoporum of 354 speaks of Pope Stephen I as not a martyr and he is not celebrated as such by the Catholic Church.


What country did Saint Stephen live in?

Saint Stephen, also known as Saint Stephen the First Martyr, lived in Israel during the first century AD. He was the first Christian martyr and is considered a significant figure in Christianity.


What is Saint Stephen famous for?

He is best known as the first Christian martyr.


Was St. Stephen the first martyr saint?

Yes, St. Stephen is considered the first Christian martyr saint. He was stoned to death after being accused of blasphemy for his beliefs in Jerusalem around 34 AD. His martyrdom is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.