Stephen
Who is Stephen? He was an early believer chosen for service in the first church, remembered for wisdom and bold witness, and for his death, which holds an important place in the New Testament narrative.
Stephen is one of the prominent early believers in the book of Acts. He is chosen to help meet practical needs within the community, yet he also stands out for wisdom, powerful speech, and faithful witness to God. When accusations are brought against him, he gives an extended defense rooted in Israel's history and is then put to death. This event makes the pressure faced by the early church visible and becomes one of the turning points in the spread of the gospel. Stephen's life and witness offer an important example for reflecting on service, courage, and faithfulness together. To know him more closely, see the chapters below.
Read the chapters
Related topics
Related places
Related verse collections
- Bible Verses About Salvation
- Bible Verses About Repentance
- Bible Verses About Generosity
- Bible Verses About Witness
Reading plans
- The Early Church Through Acts — 28 Days
- The Bible in a Year — 365 Days from Cover to Cover
- 30 Days with the Gospel — An Introduction to the New Testament
Related guides
- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
What is a church, what does the word mean and what does it refer to in the Bible? A short, neutral guide to community vs. building, its origin and its different traditions.
Books
People in the Bible
Why is Stephen important?
Stephen is important because he appears as both a servant and a public witness in the early church. His trial and death mark a decisive moment in Acts in relation to persecution, courage, and the spread of the gospel.
In which book is Stephen described?
Stephen's story is told primarily in the book of Acts. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 especially describe his selection, his defense, and the events following his death.