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St. Stephen was an otherwise unknown martyr mentioned only in Acts of the Apostles. Acts 6:5 says that the disciples chose seven deacons: Stephen, Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. He was later arrested, tried and stoned for blasphemy.
Some scholars consider the scene involving Stephen's trial and death as significant, not only because Stephen is the first Christian martyr, but also because the death of Stephen in Acts matches so closely the death of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, by the same author. 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 (Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). In some ways, the most important difference in the trial stories is that the Jews said they could not sentence Jesus to death and therefore had to bring him to trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, whereas in the story of Stephen, the priests saw no reason to involve the Roman governor and were willing to have Stephen stoned to death on their own account.
Doubts have been raised about the historicity of Stephen, who is only known from Acts of the Apostles, and 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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Is there a Steve in the bible or is he just a biblical myth?
Stephen is in the Bible. He is the first recorded stoning for Christianity.
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Stephen Benko has written: 'Pagan Rome and the early christians' -- subject(s): Controversial literature, Religion, History and criticism, Christianity, Church history
How did Saul feel when Stephen was stoned?
Saul approved of Stephen's stoning and witnessed it without intervening. He likely felt vindicated in his persecution of early Christians and emboldened in his efforts to suppress the spread of Christianity.
What has the author Stephen written?
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What country did Saint Stephen live in?
At the time of his death he lived in Palestine - Israel.
Which apostle saw the martyrdom of St. Stephen?
The Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul) witnessed the martyrdom of St. Stephen. He approved of Stephen's execution and went on to become one of the most influential figures in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
What has the author Stephen Badger written?
Stephen Badger has written: 'The substance of two discourses on intemperance' -- subject(s): Biblical teaching, Christianity, Drinking of alcoholic beverages, Religious aspects, Religious aspects of Drinking of alcoholic beverages
