Bible character overview - Stephen
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Time to read 4 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of Stephen. Here you'll learn about who Stephen was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Stephen to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was Stephen from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 5 - 40 A.D
- Where: Jerusalem
- Name meaning: 'Crown' or 'Wreath'
Glimpse: Stephen was an early disciple who was filled by the Holy Spirit and walked in power and truth proclaiming the gospel wherever he went. Stephen showed great humility and compassion for those around him and ended up being the first martyr of the church.
Acts 6:9-10 'Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.'.
Powerful proclaimation
Stephen was an early disciple whose story is recorded in Acts 6 and 7, covering the period from around AD 5 to AD 40. Through these chapters, we gain insight into Stephen's character and faith.
In Acts 6, the apostles faced a challenge in managing the care of widows within the church, which was consuming the time they needed for prayer and the ministry of the Word. To address this, they decided to appoint seven deacons to handle these responsibilities. The criteria for selecting these deacons were that they must be "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Stephen was chosen as one of these first seven deacons.
Stephen's selection highlights his deep spirituality and wisdom, as well as his humility and dedication. He embraced the role of serving the church and ministering to its needs without seeking personal fame or glory. His commitment to both serving the Church and proclaiming the gospel exemplifies his unwavering faith and devotion.
Questions
→ In what way do you serve the church?
→ Do you feel content with your position or do you feel you are called to more?
"Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people."
Stephen accused
After these events, Acts 6:8 describes Stephen as performing great "wonders and signs," which drew the attention of the "Synagogue of the Freedmen." This led to significant opposition, with many coming from various places to dispute with Stephen. Despite their efforts, they could not match the wisdom Stephen had through the Holy Spirit.
Unable to overcome Stephen through debate, his opponents resorted to false accusations of blasphemy, a charge punishable by death at that time. They falsely claimed that Stephen had spoken against both "God and Moses," even producing false witnesses to support their lies.
In response, Stephen demonstrated his character and commitment to the gospel. When allowed to defend himself in court, he used the occasion to boldly proclaim the message of salvation to all present.
Questions
→ When was the last time you spoke to someone about Jesus?
→ How did you feel whilst speaking to them (nervous, excited, angry, hopeful)?
"All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel''
The Death of Stephen
Stephen’s martyrdom is a powerful testimony of faith and forgiveness. As the Sanhedrin’s rage reached its peak, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. His vision was a profound moment of divine confirmation and support.
Stephen’s final words were remarkable: he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” This echoes Jesus' own plea for forgiveness for His executioners, demonstrating a deep commitment to the principles of grace and forgiveness even in the face of death.
The presence of Saul (later known as Paul) at Stephen's stoning is a significant detail. Saul was a fervent persecutor of Christians at the time and later became one of Christianity’s most influential apostles. His encounter with Stephen’s unwavering faith and forgiveness might have planted seeds for his eventual conversion and transformation.
Questions
→ In what ways do we show compassion to those around us?
→ Is it difficult to love those who seem to just want to make our lives more difficult?
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Strengths:
- Spirit-filled: Stephen walked in the power and by the power of the Holy Spirit
- Humility: Stephen was humble and did the best he could in every situation
- Fearless: Even in the face of intimidation and death, Stephen chose to proclaim the gospel and show compassion
Weaknesses:
- N/A
Conclusion
I believe the story of Stephen demonstrated a man called by God, used by God, and empowered by God to live a life unashamed of the gospel, staring death in the face and remaining compassionate and steadfast.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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