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First Christian martyr
Stephen
1st century AD
Life
One of the seven deacons. Preached a sweeping sermon tracing Israel's history and was stoned by the Sanhedrin. Saul approved.
Key Facts
- Full of faith and the Spirit
- Acts 7 sermon
- Saw Jesus standing
- Prayed for his killers
Why this matters
First martyr; his death scattered believers and spread the Gospel.