St Stephen lived around the year 30 AD and is remembered as one of the first deacons of the Church. According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was chosen by the Apostles to help care for the community’s most vulnerable — especially elderly widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

God worked many miracles through Stephen, and his words were filled with such wisdom and grace that many who heard him were moved to become followers of Jesus.

However, his growing influence stirred jealousy and anger among his opponents. Unable to counter his wisdom, they plotted against him and brought him to trial, accusing him of blaspheming against Moses and God.

In his defense, Stephen delivered a powerful account of God’s faithfulness to His people throughout history. He also challenged his listeners to recognize their own resistance to God — a rebuke that struck a nerve.

In their fury, they dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death. As he was dying, Stephen looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. With his final breath, he prayed: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59–60)