Christian Men and Women

Saint Stephen

Stephen had a great talent for teaching about the life and times of Jesus. He was one of the first deacons of the church and was made a deacon by some of Jesus' first Apostles. The main job of a deacon was to live a holy life as well as helping the poor in the community.

Some people were very angry about the message that Stephen was spreading and they did not agree that Jesus was the Son of God. Stephen was brought before a court. People who were there say that they saw a halo appear around his head and that he had the face of an angel.

The crowd were very angry with Stephen because whilst in court he continued to insist that Jesus was the true Son of God. The crowd dragged up outside and stoned him to death. While he was being stoned Stephen asked God to forgive his enemies. Stephen was the first Christian martyr (a martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs).

The virtues that St Stephen displayed throughout his life were Prudence, Courage (Fortitude) and Faith.