The Witness of St. Stephen

December 26, 2025. It is the feast of Saint Stephen the first of the martyrs.

In Acts Chapter 6 and 7 we hear of Saint Stephen and the role he played in the Church. We also see how it came to be that he was killed as he witnessed to Christ, our Messiah and Lord. Here is the text from the beginning of Acts 6 (World English Bible)

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.” 5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

Let us start with some basic points in summary 

First, Saint Stephen is one of seven deacons who are ordained to serve the church. The word Deacon of course just means “servant” in Greek.

Saint Stephen is truly ordained. He’s ordained just like a bishop or priest is said to be “ordained” a bishop or priest. Bishops are ordained as a successor of the apostles. Both priests and deacons are ordained to assist bishops in their ministry. Even though Acts does not use this language, it is appropriate for us to say so: St. Stephen was ordained in holy orders.

Second, he is the first martyr of the Church. From the beginning of the Acts that there is hostility towards the Church. The apostles were afraid of persecution; it seemed some of this fear might have endured until Pentecost, for even when they saw Jesus come back from the dead, they still stuck pretty close to the upper room. Jesus had even prophesied: some of you my disciples they will put to death. But then at Pentecost they received the Spirit of fortitude and strength, boldly preaching the Gospel. It so happens that one of their ordained men would give his life for the faith before any of the Apostles. But after Pentecost we know all the Apostles were willing to do the same.

Third, note that the false accusations that are brought against Stephen, which show him to be “like Christ.” The charges against Stephen are almost identical to the false accusations brought against Jesus. This might remind us of our own sacrament of confirmation. We are to be “like Christ” in so many ways, but especially through fortitude under persecution. Confirmation is a christening, just like baptism is a christening. Confirmation makes us like Christ as a “Chris-ti-fying” of our soul, such that we could be ready even to “lay down our lives for our brothers,” to become martyrs like Saint Stephen. I say all this because I want to emphasize that, while it is right to appreciate St. Stephen’s role as a deacon, the gift and grace of martyrdom is in fact greater than the gift and grace of holy orders. 

Here let us enter into the moment of St. Stephen’s glorious witness. “Saint Stephen full of grace and power did great wonders and signs among the people.” St. Stephen’s task as a deacon was to preach and proclaim Christ. His ministry of service also bore witness, more often through humble deeds than through words. And we read that God chose to use him to do even more “signs” as extraordinary witnesses. This was God’s choice, nothing intrinsic to being a deacon or even a Christian. Stephen’s greatest witness was yet to come. When the false charges came against him, and when he had born out his faith, he then turned and spoke the truth openly about his accusers. We should summarize this account with much humility, acknowledging the holiness of St. Stephen.

He told his accusers they had not truly followed the faith of Abraham; his great act of Charity was in the fact that he shared this truth, even if it cost him his life. Stephen showed his enemies who was the true “Prophet” who like Moses “spoke with God face to face.” But they themselves had turned their faces from God. Stephen makes his final charge, certainly bringing an intentional admonition to repentance. 

7:51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. 52 Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. 53 You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!”

But they would not hear it; “cut to the heart… they gnashed at him with their teeth. … They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” He kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

If their hearts had been made clean by faith, circumcised and turned to mercy, they would have believed. Maybe some did repent later. At least Saul did! By the glorious prayers of Stephen, and the superabundant grace of Christ, Saul was converted to St. Paul.

St. Stephen gave his witness. I’m sure Saul, much later, when Christ appeared to him in prison, and told him that he must become a “witness” in Rome, remembered Stephen. How shall we remember him?

Have we kept our hearts clean, and made them merciful, circumcised and purified by faith?  

Are we encountering Christ “face to face” like Jesus showed us with his prayer, and like St. Stephen did, especially when he ministered the Eucharist on earth?