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54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
More expanded answer:
In The Bible, Stephen is listed as the first Christian martyr.
---BUT--- that does not necessarily mean that he actually was 'the first'.
You see, the word 'martyr' in the original Greek Bible, did NOT mean what it means today in English.
This word has had some development over the early years. Everyone thinks the word refers to someone who 'gives up his life for his Christian faith'. That's how the religions have confused the real Bible word. And so the original concept has completely escaped the flock.
The word is in the Bible in Acts 22:20, regarding Stephen. (It is not found in Acts 7)
The English word 'martyr' is derived from the Greek term 'martys', meaning "witness". Namely one who 'sees something, a deed or event'. He witnesses it.
But that original word means MORE. It is in the 'active' tense. States one Greek Lexicon, that they are "called upon to TELL what they've seen or heard", to proclaim what they heard or know of.
A 'witness' in court does not just stand there and make the one-word STATEMENT: "Yes" I saw, or "Yes" I heard.
Being an 'active' term, it means they actually present their own verbal statements of WHAT they saw, or WHAT they heard. They 'witness' extensively towards it; all the information they know about it.
This is the ORIGINAL meaning of the term. Many religions have not taught their members this original Bible meaning. This has been a disservice to mankind, since it has a direct effect on whether they're out there 'witnessing' or not. Jehovah's Witnesses are aware of this meaning; and have applied the term to themselves. But really, all Christians have an obligation to BEAR WITNESS to what they know about God and his purposes.
BUT admittedly, the word has taken on an ADDITIONAL meaning over the years.
Due to the fact that many early Christians did all this 'witnessing', they were often persecuted, arrested, beat, and even killed. Thus from as early as the 2nd century, 'martyr' ALSO came to signify 'one who suffers such consequences rather than renounce his faith'. So yes, Stephen can also be termed a 'martyr' in that sense also. But it doesn't change the Fact that a person in the Bible setting, was considered a martyr because he WITNESSED, NOT because he died.
Stephen was the first martyr
What else can I help you with?
Was Saint Sebastian martyred for his beliefs?
Yes, he was martyred for being a Christian.
How did Saint Stephen become a saint?
Saint Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early Christian Church. He was known for his faith, preaching, and miracles. He was martyred for his beliefs and became the first Christian martyr, which contributed to his recognition as a saint in the Catholic Church.
What is the name of the female Christian saint martyred at Chalcedon?
The female Christian saint martyred at Chalcedon is Saint Euphemia. She is venerated as a martyr and saint in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Oriental Orthodox Churches.
How many prophets been martyred?
The first 16 popes were martyred for their faith.
What is the 'Feast of Stephen'?
St. Stephens Day is the Christian festival (feast) that commemorates St. Stephen, who by Christian tradition was the first Christian to be martyred for his faith.(Book of Acts chapters 6, 7 & 8)It is 26 December, the day after Christmas Day.The Feast of St. Stephen the First Martyr is December 26.
An example of martyred?
Martyred meens to kill someone who has agreed to die because of their religious beliefs eg; some Jew may be forced to be christian or they die and they choose death
Which one of Jesus deciples was the last to die?
Stephen is the first to be martyred for Christ, I believe it was James that was the first of the 12 apostles to be martyred.
Who was Tertullian?
Tertullian was a great Christian martyred for his faith. He said "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church"
Why was St. Justin martyred?
St. Justin was martyred for his Christian beliefs and refusal to participate in traditional Roman religious practices. He openly taught and defended his faith, which led to his arrest and subsequent execution. His commitment to his beliefs and willingness to die rather than renounce them made him a martyr.
Who is the first martyr of Islam?
The first martyred man was Yasir ibn Amir, but the first martyr in Islam (and the first martyred woman) was Yasir ibn Amir's wife, Sumayyah bint Khayyat.
What was life like when St Sebastian was alive?
St. Sebastian lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century, a time of Christian persecution. Christians were frequently targeted and martyred for their beliefs. Sebastian himself was eventually martyred for his Christian faith, after being sentenced to death by arrows.
Which disciple died as a traditional martyr?
Stephen was the first disciple to be martyred. He was stoned to death. All the apostles but John were martyred.
