Editor’s Note: This is an edited excerpt from Rev. Alban Butler’s 1866 edition of The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints, Vol. XII.
The name “Stephen,” which means “crown,” is of Greek origin. However, the name “Cheliel,” which in Syriac also signifies a crown, was found engraved on his tomb at Caphargamala. It is widely accepted that St. Stephen was one of the 72 disciples of Our Lord. Immediately after the descent of the Holy Spirit, we see that he was well-versed in the teachings of the gospel and endowed with extraordinary spiritual and supernatural gifts from the Holy Spirit, which had recently been poured out upon the Church. Additionally, he possessed remarkable miraculous abilities.
He held a position of great importance and authority among the newly appointed deacons chosen by the Apostles. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he fearlessly preached and defended Christianity, supporting his teachings with numerous public and undeniable miracles. As a result, the number of believers in Jerusalem grew significantly.
Enemies of Truth
The remarkable dedication and success of this holy deacon provoked the hatred and jealousy of those opposed to the gospel. These adversaries, which included the Libertines (formerly captives taken to Rome by Pompey and subsequently granted freedom), as well as individuals from Cyrene in Libya, Alexandria, Cilicia and Lesser Asia, had their own synagogues in Jerusalem. They conspired together against him, pooling their resources and ill intentions to oppose him.
Initially, they attempted to engage in a debate with him. However, realizing that they were unable to match his wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke, they resorted to deceit. They bribed false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and God. The charges were brought before the Sanhedrin, and St. Stephen was brought before them. After presenting the accusations, Caiphas, the high priest, instructed him to defend himself.
The primary accusation against him revolved around his belief that the temple would be destroyed and that the Mosaic sacrifices were symbolic and no longer pleasing to God, as Jesus of Nazareth had put an end to them. Remarkably, God bestowed a heavenly radiance upon St. Stephen’s face while he stood before the council, making it appear to everyone present as if he had the countenance of an angel.
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Convicting the Jews of His Day
Given the opportunity granted by the high priest to speak in his own defense, St. Stephen used this moment not only to defend himself but also to boldly preach about Jesus Christ right in front of the Sanhedrin itself.
He presented a compelling argument by demonstrating that Abraham, the revered father and originator of the nation, received God’s favor and justification without the need for a temple. He also pointed out that while Moses was instructed to construct a tabernacle, he prophesied about a new law and the coming of the Messiah. Solomon might have built the Temple, but it was crucial to understand that God was not confined to man-made structures. Both the Temple and the Mosaic law served as temporary arrangements, destined to be replaced by more exceptional institutions introduced by God.
The saint emphasized that God had fulfilled this by sending the Messiah. However, he charged that they, like their ancestors, were a stubborn generation — outwardly circumcised but lacking true devotion in their hearts. They perpetually resisted the Holy Spirit, and just as their forebears had persecuted and killed many prophets who foretold the Messiah, they had betrayed and crucified Him in person. Despite receiving the Law through the ministry of angels, they had failed to uphold it.
Shedding Blood for the Truth
These words deeply wounded the assembly, provoking them to a furious rage. They gnashed their teeth at the holy martyr, displaying uncontrolled anger. However, St. Stephen paid no attention to their actions, as his gaze and devotion were fixed on loftier matters.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, he steadfastly looked up to the heavens, which opened before him. In that divine moment, he saw his Savior standing at the right hand of the Father, a sign that Jesus was ready to protect, receive and reward His faithful servant.
Upon experiencing this vision, the saint was overwhelmed with indescribable ecstasy. His soul was filled with newfound courage and an intense desire to reach the heavenly bliss that had been revealed to him. His heart brimmed with joy, and in a state of ecstasy, he was unable to contain his happiness. Even among his enemies, he exclaimed, “Behold, I see the heavens open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” It is during such moments that divine consolation is closest to us, precisely when human support seems farthest away. In such times, we must place our unwavering trust in God and detach our hearts completely from worldly matters. If we still hold onto them even by the slightest thread, we have not fully embraced the disposition of the saints.
The Jews, however, grew even more hardened and furious upon hearing the saint’s proclamation about his vision. They accused him of blasphemy and, without any further legal proceedings, resolved to put him to death. In their zealous rage, they disregarded the need for a formal judicial sentence and the approval of the Roman governor, which was required for a lawful execution at that time. With their ears closed to his supposed blasphemies, they loudly and angrily rushed toward him, forcibly dragged him out of the city, and, in a torrent of stones, satisfied their fury by stoning him to death.
According to Levitical law, the witnesses responsible for initiating the execution in capital cases cast their garments at the feet of Saul, implicating him in their crime. Meanwhile, the holy martyr prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then, falling to his knees, he cried out with great fervor, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Having spoken these words, he peacefully passed away in the Lord. The term “fell asleep” is beautifully used by the Holy Spirit to convey the serene nature of the death of the righteous. For them, it signifies rest after the hardships of this arduous life, a secure haven following the perils of this mortal journey and the gateway to eternal life.
Saint Augustine and other Fathers of the Church believe that the profound conversion of St. Paul was a result of the dying prayers and sighs of this martyr, underscoring his significant influence in Heaven. The edification and manifold benefits that the Church derived from the martyrdom of this remarkable and holy man outweighed the loss it suffered in his death.