December 26

Saint Stephen, the First Martyr

Feast · Remembered by Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans

Chosen to serve widows, he died forgiving those who stoned him

Stephen belonged to the first Christian community in Jerusalem, only a few years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. He was probably a Greek-speaking Jew. When Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily sharing of food, the apostles asked the believers to choose seven trusted men to handle it. Stephen was named first, “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”

He also preached boldly. Opponents brought him before the Jewish council, accusing him of speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses. Stephen answered with a long retelling of Israel’s history. His hearers grew furious, dragged him outside the city and stoned him. A young man named Saul, later the apostle Paul, stood by and approved.

Stephen died praying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Christians remember him as the first to give his life for Christ: a man who served at tables and forgave the people who killed him.

While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:59–60 · BSB

A prayer

Faithful God, you filled your servant Stephen with faith and the Holy Spirit, so that he served the poor with care, spoke of your Son without fear, and forgave those who took his life. Give us hearts ready to serve, courage to bear witness, and the grace to pray for those who hurt us. Amen.