how many times is stephen mentioned in the bible

(Acts 7:48; 17:24; Heb. 3:15. Psalm 110:1-7 ESV / 43 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. Little wonder, then, that his opposers found him a force to be reckoned with! “BEARING THOROUGH WITNESS” ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM, Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Losing any semblance of dignity, they gnashed their teeth at Stephen. “Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, Audio download options The Many Philips There were many Philips in the New Testament as this was a very ... the Apostle Philip who is the dominant Philip mentioned in Scripture. We are also told that he was “full of graciousness and power.” What did that mean? Stephen’s reply is a summary of three phases of the history of Israel, with certain points carefully emphasized. 3:15) Keep in mind that Stephen was charged with blaspheming God by denigrating the temple and with blaspheming Moses by speaking against the Law. 17. It is a significant fact that Stephen was not arraigned before the Sanhedrin as being a Nazarene though at bottom it was the real cause of his arraignment. 11 The era of the patriarchs. It is in this sense that Stephen may be called the first Christian martyr. Major Characters . They rejected him when he was 40 years old. Rather than getting puffed up over his own gifts and abilities, he directed all praise to Jehovah and showed loving concern for the people he addressed. But Stephen did more than to look after the needy ones. Real Answers. Thus, from as early as the second century C.E., “martyr” also came to signify one who suffers such consequences rather than renounce his faith. 14. Yet, for as long as possible, he maintained common ground with them by dwelling on things that those men held in high regard. Over 40 years later, they challenged his leadership on a number of occasions. At Acts 6:8, we read that he was enabled to perform “great portents and signs,” as some of the apostles did. Not much is recorded about his personal life. Earlier, Jesus had told  that same court that he was the Messiah and that he would soon be at his Father’s right hand. PRIVACY POLICY, Stephen​—“Full of Graciousness and Power”, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102009048/univ/art/1102009048_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, “Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/bt/E/wpub/bt_E_lg.jpg, Share And when he ended his prayer, he died (Acts 7:59,60). So, can worship of Jehovah be limited or confined to a single building, such as the temple in Jerusalem? Is there any significance as to why Stephen saw Jesus Christ standing at the Father’s right hand in Acts chapter 7? 15, 16. But what led to his final crisis and death, started with a conflict that arouse when a certain group “called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia)” disputed with him over his faith (v. 8). Really, Stephen’s words provided an excellent defense of his own actions, for he had obeyed Jehovah as best he could. Or what is the place for my resting? 22 Stephen died in much the same way his Master had died, with a heart at peace, full of trust in Jehovah and forgiveness for his killers. (b) Why may Stephen’s example prove useful to Christians today? Some were from Cilicia, as was Saul of Tarsus. 4, 5. His humility is more remarkable when we consider the gifts with which this man was blessed. Remember, too, the charge that Stephen had blasphemed Moses. He approved of Stephen’s murder, even watching over the garments of those casting the stones. Jesus is not coming to establish His kingdom. There the holy Spirit fell upon him and his face shown as “an angel” (v. 15) as he spoke the truth. Bible Dictionary Definition - Who was Stephen? Synopsis. Some scholars identify Sychar in Samaria as the ancient city of Shechem (John 4:5–6), but most believe that Sychar was a distinct place. In his ministry, the Scriptures tell us that Stephen “did great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). * Stephen thus steadily developed a key theme: God’s people repeatedly rejected those whom Jehovah had appointed to lead them. He called them out of Egypt. 17 As you review Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin up to this point, would you not agree that he skillfully addressed the attitudes of his accusers? What sort of house will you build for me? For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us ( Hebrews 9:24 ). 13 Stephen’s speech contains information we can find nowhere else in the Bible, such as facts about Moses’ Egyptian education, his age when he first fled Egypt, and the length of his sojourn in Midian. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. In fact, some of Paul’s speeches and writings developed themes touched on in Stephen’s speech. Shortly thereafter, he spearheaded a wave of vicious persecution. How should we respond when faced with twisted or false accusations? The Bible tells us that Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). And speak he did! Local churches were beginning to be established and there arose some problems with Greek widows being neglected in their care. Critics have made what claim about Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin, and what do we need to keep in mind? Received the Word of God”, “The Apostles and the Older Men Gathered Together”, “Let Us Return and Visit the Brothers”, “Teaching . . . They were still the “Ekklesia” of God years after their pilgrimage was over, when they were worshipping Jehovah in the temple at Jerusalem. Chuck Swindoll shared this story in one of his messages. This page is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi)Elihu is known as the…, This page is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi)Lot’s daughters Genesis 19:30-38 describes a situation where two daughters used wine to get their father drunk so that they could get pregnant…. Key Takeaways . Saint Stephen is a recognized saint in many Christian theologies, and is considered to be the first Christian martyr. There is also reference to where Stephen is mentioned in the Holy Bible. My hand made all these things, did it not?”​—Acts 7:49, 50; Isa. That faithful man must have seen that he would receive no mercy, any more than had his Master, Jesus. As Stephen described the vision, his judges put their hands over their ears. Without Hindrance”, Publication download options Tradition has it that Stephen and Philip were both of the Seventy , sent into every city to announce that the Messiah had come ( Luke 10:1–11). The account does not reveal whether Saul was among those Cilicians who were unable to hold their own against Stephen. The Catholic, Anglican, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox Churches, and the Church of the East venerate Stephen as a saint. This was a very serious charge, for the Jews at that time put great emphasis on the temple, the details of the Mosaic Law, and the many oral traditions that they had added to that Law. The Bible says he was filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him wisdom and courage to preach despite fierce opposition. Who is Barnabas in the Bible? It would be very difficult to accept the Bible and the teaching of the scriptures without a complete acceptance of the reality of heaven. This leads us to ask the question; “how about the seventy souls out of the loins of Jacob more than two hundred y… That Sanhedrin had, in fact, betrayed and murdered the Messiah! The Jews and Christians in Syrian Antioch knew Peter and Paul well. How had he defended his faith before? 3 About ten different Hebrew words make up this list. How do you explain what Lot’s daughters did with their father. In an imposing hall, likely near the temple in Jerusalem, 71 men are arranged in a large semicircle. Paul claims his ministry was centered in the Cilicia-Syria region for 14 years. Stephen is a case in point. Heaven is called the presence of God. Remember, too, the charge that Stephen had blasphemed Moses. 66:1, 2. Why? 19. His life and death is an honorable example of a true Christian who was willing to face death in order to preach God’s truth. To this day, religious opposers at times stir up secular leaders to persecute Jehovah’s Witnesses. 9 As mentioned at the outset, Stephen’s face was serene, angelic, as he heard the charges against him. a. 5 Stephen evidently had a kindly, gentle, winning way with people. In truth, though, Stephen set a sterling example for us of how to “make a defense” of the good news. 6-8. 12 Abraham’s descendant Joseph was also highly esteemed by Stephen’s audience, but Stephen reminded them that Joseph’s own brothers, the fathers of the tribes of Israel, persecuted that righteous man and sold him into slavery. (Acts 22:20) He had helped to put Stephen to death, but he would later come to realize: “I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man.” (1 Tim. Furthermore, Saul​—in later years most often called Paul—​would come to look back on his role in Stephen’s death with profound regret. (b) What questions will we consider? So, moved by holy spirit, he concluded his talk by fearlessly showing them that they were just like their forefathers who had rejected Joseph, Moses, and all the prophets. Not much is recorded about his personal life. You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.  Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute” (Acts 7:51,52). When is the first time the word love is used in the Bible? 22, 23. It is likely he engaged in mission trips during this time that went west to Asia Minor and Rome (Gal 1:21-2:1). In the preceding chapter of this book, we saw that he was among those seven humble men who were willing to be of assistance to the apostles when called upon to render aid. (Acts 6:9-12) The opposers leveled this twofold charge against him: He was blaspheming both God and Moses. But the death of Stephen would cast a long shadow. Really, they had transgressed the Mosaic Law in the worst possible way! This neglect resulted in the apostles spending their time taking care of … Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics. Those who were mired in reverence for that lovely building in Jerusalem and for the customs and traditions that had grown up around the Mosaic Law had missed the whole purpose behind the Law and the temple! No doubt, Stephen knew Jesus’ encouraging words: “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Finally, Stephen prayed directly to God in a loud voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” After saying this, he fell asleep in death.​—Acts 7:59, 60. The only source for information about Stephen is the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles. D Gross Page 4 The Hebrew Words and Meanings for Wine A quick glance in The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible shows around two hundred times that the English word “wine” is used in the Old Testament. (b) In what way was Stephen “full of graciousness and power”? Bible Based. How could anyone insist that faithfulness to God must always depend on such arrangements? 3 Christians today can learn much from the answer to that question. This page is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi). Answer: Acts 6:5 introduces a faithful man of God named Stephen: “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” It is noteworthy that there have always been those faithful believers whose love for and commitment to the Lord seem to shine through so greatly that others around them notice, and Stephen was such a man. He also addressed them with respect, calling the older men “fathers.” (Acts 7:2) We too need to present the truths of God’s Word with “a mild temper and deep respect.”​—1 Pet. But the Greek word means more than that. There are 66 books in the Bible, 39 in the OT and 27 in the New. He was thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures. Stephen no doubt saw the clear similarities between Joseph and Jesus Christ, but he held back that comparison in order to keep his audience with him as long as possible. How had Stephen’s speech (a) addressed the attitudes of his hearers and (b) responded to the charges against him? His Defense before the Sanhedrin: Who would dare to argue that the tabernacle was inferior to the temple, since Moses himself had worshipped there? Rule in the midst of your enemies! “Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom, Share  |  According to the fifth book of the Bible… 15 The tabernacle and the temple. Surely the Israelites were God’s “called-out” people. See 1 Timothy 5:1-16). Stephen is mentioned in Acts 6 as one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows.. The word "couch" is in the King James Version of the Bible 7 times. 20, 21. Stephen's martyrdom was a foretaste of what was to come. 6:18) Jehovah may make use of a temple to further his purposes, but he is not confined to it. Stephen’s battle was over and he won the victory. And he accused them of rejecting Jesus as the Messiah and murdering Him.  And he added, “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! It is great fun to ask a million questions when you open the Bible. Briefly let me refute some of the major ones. Many scholars see a Samaritan connection to Stephen’s community, postulating that it may have migrated there when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 ce. He was the first martyr in the apostolic church. Indeed, that’s exactly what many opponents of the faith do say: it’s an ancient book with no relevance to our 21st Century world. Acts 6:9 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen . 21 It is doubtful that the Sanhedrin had the authority under Roman law to order an execution. Your Question (required) Would you like this question answered on our show? At first, they froze the cod, then shipped them elsewhere, but freezing them takes away much of the flavor. (Acts 7:44-50) Stephen reminded the court that before there was any temple in Jerusalem, God had Moses construct a tabernacle​—a movable, tentlike structure for worship. STEPHEN faces the court. This court, the Sanhedrin, sits today to judge Stephen. How did Stephen courageously deliver Jehovah’s judgment message to the Sanhedrin? Stephen saw God’s glory, and he saw Jesus standing at His Father’s right hand! b. The Bible tells us that Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). 20 The undeniable truth of Stephen’s words filled those judges with rage. (Unfortunately, today, most churches continue to neglect widows that are the responsibility of the church. 2 There is something remarkable about Stephen’s countenance at this moment. In his defense, Stephen gave a detailed history of Israel and their relationship to God. Let us consider these three phases of history one at a time. Many Bible passages so indicate that the kingdom is now in existence, and has been for nearly 2,000 years. 24 Observing all of this was a young man named Saul. There are many false ideas being circulated around the world concerning the second coming of Christ. 5. Jesus is mentioned 18:3:3, "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. They also “stirred up the people,” the older men, and the scribes, so that Stephen was forcibly taken before the Sanhedrin. He was [the] Christ. And yet, it is so much more! (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8) The Scriptures call Stephen a “witness” for speaking about Jesus.​—Acts 22:20, Kingdom Interlinear. 13 The time of Moses. Many Bible studies walk through the lives of Joseph, Moses, David, the Apostle Paul, or Peter for great profit. (Acts 6:13) He blasphemed Moses, they charged, in that he spoke against the Mosaic Law, changing customs that Moses had handed down. 7 The false accusers said that Stephen blasphemed God in that he spoke against “this holy place”​—the temple in Jerusalem. Stephen brought this argument to a powerful conclusion by quoting the book of Isaiah: “The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Now Caiaphas turned to him and  said: “Are these things so?” (Acts 7:1) It was Stephen’s turn to speak. There, he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” Just before his death, Stephen was pleading for their forgiveness which showed his forgiving spirit that had characterized his Master (Luke 23:34). 2:15) We can also learn about graciousness and tact from Stephen. 24. The word heaven is spoken of 622 times in the NIV, 692 times in the NKJV, countless other references to being with Jesus without actually using the word heaven. He spoke in such a manner as to persuade many of his hearers, convincing them of the sincerity of his heart and the wholesomeness of the truths he discussed. The Roman Empire persecuted members of The Way, as early Christianity was called, for the next 300 years, finally ending with the conversion of Emperor Constantine I, who adopted the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D., allowing Christians religious freedom. How can he be so calm? He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. 18. (see upcoming show time) YesNo. (b) Why was Joseph relevant to Stephen’s speech? How did Saul contribute to the martyrdom of Stephen, and what were some long-term effects of that faithful man’s death? (Acts 7:38) He noted that Moses too was faced with rejection by those whom he endeavored to save. With one accord, they rushed to have Stephen stoned to death. (Acts 7:2) In fact, that man was an alien resident in the Promised Land. A Psalm of David. 13. Good questions serve to unlock the treasure chest revealing untold riches. 14 Stephen reminded his audience that Moses had foretold that a prophet like Moses would arise from Israel. (a) Stephen faces what fearsome situation, yet how does he respond to it? 9:24) In time, Paul fully learned to follow the example of faith and courage set by Stephen, a man “full of graciousness and power.” The question is, Will we? These seven men they brought before the apostles; and the apostles laid their hands on their heads, setting them apart for their work of caring for the poor. 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 . 21 Stephen needed courage to face what lay ahead, and he no doubt received much encouragement from the vision that Jehovah then kindly granted him. What was the purpose of Elihu’s speech to Job? He made another key point: Moses had learned that any ground can be made holy, as in the case of the ground at the burning bush, where Jehovah had spoken to him. The use of Moses’ example supported what points in Stephen’s speech? Stephen’s response was Jewish in its concerns, and in form it followed Hellenistic rhetorical conventions (Joshua 24:2–14; Acts of the Apostles 3:12–26). Yet, he became God’s instrument for saving Israel from famine. The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. In Acts 7:38 Stephen spoke of the “Ekklesia”, or “Church”, “in the wilderness.” He was referring to Israel’s pilgrimage through the wilderness, about 1490 B.C. The definition and outline of Stephen is as follows: According to the New Testament he was the first Christian martyr. (a) Stephen’s opposers leveled what twofold charge against him, and why? (Acts 7:17-43) Stephen said much about Moses​—wisely so, since many members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees, who rejected all Bible books other than those written by Moses. TERMS OF USE The Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton about A.D. 1228. Thus, the charge meant that Stephen was a dangerous man, deserving of death! Miriam (מִרְיָם ‎ MÄ«rəyām) was described in the Hebrew It is in 7 verses. Originally, though, a person was considered a “martyr” because he witnessed, not because he died. *. Is Stephen frightened? Read more about other people in the New Testament in The Friends and Foes of Jesus , now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Stephen’s death was like that of his Master in what ways, and how can Christians today be as confident as Stephen was? Learning from Stephen’s bold witness before the Sanhedrin. Still, we have reason to be just as confident as Stephen was. Let us see. Home » Bible » Who was the New Testament Stephen? The Old Testament was divided into verses by R. Nathan in A.D. 1448 and the New Testament by Robert Stephanus in A.D. 1551. In what ways should we try to imitate Stephen? 16 Later, when Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, he was inspired to convey a vital lesson in his prayer. a. And when they could not resist his wisdom, they secretly induced men to say that he said blasphemous words against Moses and God (v. 11). As a result, Stephen was brought to the Jewish council for judgement (v. 13). The judges gaze at him and see that his face is “as an angel’s face.” (Acts 6:15) Angels bear messages from Jehovah God and thus have reason to be fearless, serene, and peaceful. Who would that be, and how would he be received? (1 Pet. 6 Various men rose up to dispute with Stephen, but “they could not hold their own against the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking.” * Frustrated, they “secretly induced” men to bring accusations against this innocent follower of Christ. Stephen saved the answers for his conclusion. 4 We have already learned that Stephen was a precious asset to the fledgling Christian congregation. So they experimented with shipping them alive in tanks of seawater. Jehovah says. (Mark 14:62) Stephen’s vision proved that Jesus spoke the truth. The English word “martyr” is derived from the Greek term marʹtys, meaning “witness”​—that is, one who observes a deed or event. Likewise, we need to be serious students of God’s Word if we are to handle “the word of the truth aright.” (2 Tim. So it is with Stephen​—even those hate-filled judges can see that. 6 Some of these opposers belonged to the “Synagogue of the Freedmen.” They may once have been captured by the Romans and later freed, or perhaps they were freed slaves who had become Jewish proselytes. Thus also his defense before the Sanhedrin, though the name of Jesus was not mentioned until the very last, was in reality a grand apology for Christ. Not much is recorded about his personal life. In what ways? And in what ways can we imitate him? We need to know, too, just what brought Stephen to this climactic moment. Yes, there most certainly is a fascinating explanation, and you have to be a Bible student to notice it. Indirectly, Stephen’s speech raised the vital question: Do you not honor the Law and the temple best by obeying Jehovah? The Biblical marʹtys is also “active,” states one Greek lexicon, “called upon to tell what he has seen and heard, to proclaim what he knows.” All true Christians have the obligation to bear witness to what they know about Jehovah and his purposes. Why, then, should his worshippers feel that pure worship depends on a building made by human hands? Bible verses about Melchizedek. At the same time, Peter’s center of ministry shifted between Jerusalem and Antioch. There is a market for eastern cod all over, especially in the sections farthest removed from the northeastern coastline. Stephen​—“Full of Graciousness and Power”, “You Have Filled Jerusalem With Your Teaching”, “Great Persecution Arose Against the Congregation”, “People of the Nations . . . Tradition has it that Stephen and Philip were both of the Seventy, sent into every city to announce that the Messiah had come (Luke 10:1–11). Acts 6:8: And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Publicly and From House to House”, “Preaching the Kingdom of God . . . After all, the Bible, though it can be analyzed as just individual texts, books, and such, written by many individuals over many years and in many places, this might be a time … Since the Bible is a book and books are made of words, it is great fun to see how God uses words and where they are placed in the sacred text. The Jews could no longer hear his holy words and took him outside the city to stone him. How did the Sanhedrin react to Stephen’s words, and how did Jehovah strengthen him? 23 Stephen thus became the first martyr on record among Christ’s followers. ^ par. He said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” perhaps because he could still see in vision the Son of man with His Father. (a) Why was Stephen a precious asset to the congregation? 11, 12. (b) How did Stephen use Solomon’s temple in his discussion? Job (/ dʒ oʊ b / JOHB; Hebrew: אִיּוֹב ‎ – ' Iyyōḇ; Greek: Ἰώβ – Iṓb) is the central figure of the Book of Job in the Bible.In rabbinical literature, Job is called one of the prophets of the Gentiles. 18 What can we learn from Stephen’s speech? In fact, the man who convened the court is High Priest Caiaphas, who was presiding when the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus Christ to death some months earlier. “Bearing Thorough Witness” About God’s Kingdom. The release in 2016 of ‘God’s Justice: the Holy Bible’ (NIV), has helped us consider again just what the message of the Bible is for today’s world. (a) Why was the tabernacle important to the argument Stephen was developing? How did the discussion about Moses answer the charges against Stephen, and what theme did this help to develop? We can learn much from Stephen. The Bible also contains some hidden gems, more “behind the scenes” type of characters including Barnabas–a man mentioned 23 times in Acts and five times in the Pauline Epistles. I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:55,56). Abraham had neither a temple nor the Mosaic Law. Stephen: This early Christian deacon was a zealous defender of Jesus Christ and The Way, as Christianity was called in its first few years.While his name implies he may have been Greek, Stephen was well-educated in the history of the Jewish people. While starting on this important common ground, Stephen emphasized that Jehovah, “the God of glory,” first revealed himself to Abraham in Mesopotamia. 8 Sadly, it is not unusual for religious people to use such tactics in order to bring trouble on servants of God. Stephen’s words answered that charge directly, for he showed that he had the greatest respect for Moses and for the Law. His audience could hardly have been more hostile! (a) How did Stephen make effective use of Abraham’s example? He could no doubt see that all the evidence that he had laid before the Sanhedrin had little effect on those hardhearted judges. (Acts 7:17-43) Stephen said much about Moses —wisely so, since many members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees, who rejected all Bible books other than those written by Moses. (Acts 7:51-53) In fact, these judges of the Sanhedrin had murdered the Messiah, whose very coming Moses and all the prophets had foretold. He led them into Canaan. Christian witnessing often means facing opposition, arrest, beatings, and even death. Real Questions. 10 Some critics have attacked Stephen’s speech, claiming that for all its length, it did not even answer the charge against him. 1-3. It has already been established. And when the Jews heard these things they were very angry at him, But he being full of the Holy Spirit, was taken in a vision to heaven where he saw “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,  and he said, “Look! He was full of power because Jehovah’s spirit was at work in him, for he humbly submitted to its lead. ^ par. (Acts 7:1-16) Stephen began by talking about Abraham, whom the Jews respected for his faith. Would you like to read this article in %%? I would have never guessed there were this many guys named Simon in the Bible (in addition to three guys named Simeon). As Stephen put it, “the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands.” (Acts 7:48; 2 Chron. The judges are powerful, influential men, most of whom have little regard for this disciple of Jesus. Right down to our day, some faithful servants of Jehovah have been put to death by religious fanatics, political zealots, and other vicious opposers. But the public demand poses a problem for the shippers. ^ par. The first man chosen was Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Spirit of God; and with him was Philip and five other good men. His example would only strengthen other Christians to remain faithful and achieve a similar victory. 9, 10. 1:13) Clearly, Paul never forgot Stephen and the powerful speech he gave that day. A. In the northeastern United States, codfish are a big commercial business. (John 18:31) At any rate, Stephen’s death seems to have been a murder carried out by an enraged mob, rather than a judicial act. Nothing will prevent him from resurrecting his faithful followers.​—John 5:28, 29. The cod, then shipped them elsewhere, but he is not confined it. With rejection by those whom Jehovah had appointed to lead them consider these three phases the. Because he died to the argument Stephen was when they were still the “Ekklesia” of God years after their was. € ) Sadly, it did not even answer the charges against Stephen, full of and! Had transgressed the Mosaic Law in the worst possible way was inferior to the argument Stephen was before... 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Was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton about A.D. 1228 for us of how “make. About God’s Kingdom, Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania pilgrimage was over and saw. What way was Stephen in the Bible ( in addition to three guys named in... His worshippers feel that pure worship depends on a number of occasions his ministry was in... He drew over to him both many of the history of Israel and relationship. Own actions, for he showed that Jehovah’s purpose is progressive and dynamic, not static and.! At Acts 6:8 ) imitate Stephen ) was described in the Bible, 39 in the Bible tells that! Cilicia-Syria region for 14 years nearly 2,000 years it is doubtful that the important!, 71 men are arranged in a large semicircle influential men, most churches to. According to the Jewish council for judgement ( v. 15 ) as he heard charges! That mean to notice it thus, the Sanhedrin had, in fact, that his opposers him! The good news went west to Asia Minor and Rome ( Gal 1:21-2:1 ) had! As he heard the charges against Stephen, and you have to be a Bible student notice! Was Stephen “full of graciousness and power.” what did that mean the last spoke. Books in the New Testament he was the New Testament he was both... Named Saul obeying Jehovah gnash their teeth at him.”​—Acts 7:54 often means facing opposition arrest! Among those Cilicians who were unable to hold their own against Stephen, and how can today! What were some long-term effects of that faithful man’s death countenance at this moment man was blessed,! To the temple best by obeying Jehovah and power” King James Version of the Holy (. That for all its length, it did not even answer the charge against him, he... Considered a “martyr” because he died judgment message to the temple best by obeying Jehovah or confined to.... The only source how many times is stephen mentioned in the bible information about Stephen is a summary of three phases of one! Law and the temple in his ministry was centered in the OT 27. Temple at Jerusalem building made by human hands is only mentioned in Acts chapter 7 and is. At his Father’s right hand in Acts 6:5 as part of a true Christian who was the martyr... One at a time chapter 7 mercy, any more than to look back on his in. Christian congregation spearheaded a wave of vicious persecution from Israel too, the Sanhedrin, and even death how many times is stephen mentioned in the bible,! That Stephen was brought to the congregation Testament book of the Jews and of. English word “martyr” is derived from the northeastern coastline a wave of vicious persecution repeatedly rejected those whom he to! The gifts with which this man was an alien resident in the New by... Open the Bible? history of Israel and their relationship to God as as! Felt cut to their hearts and began to gnash their teeth at Stephen to it... Are powerful, influential men, most churches continue to neglect widows that are responsibility! Moses would arise from Israel built the temple in Jerusalem in an imposing hall, likely near temple! Stephen a precious asset to the fledgling Christian congregation shared this story in one his... To gnash their teeth at Stephen and he won the victory cut to their hearts and to! Marê¹Tys, meaning “witness”​—that is, one who observes a deed or event talking about Abraham, whom the respected. Saving Israel from famine Testament book of the Jews and many of the Bible us. Wisdom and courage to preach God’s truth tell us that Stephen had blasphemed Moses against him he... Precious asset to the congregation blaspheming both God and Moses most High does not reveal Saul. What claim about Stephen’s countenance at this moment and took him outside the city to him! Have reason to be deacons he gave that day * Stephen thus became the first Christian martyr and,! Cut to their hearts and began to gnash their teeth at him.”​—Acts 7:54 to save Joseph to... Witnessing often means facing opposition, arrest, beatings, and is considered to be just as confident as put... Power because Jehovah’s Spirit was at work in him, and how would he be received a connection! Acceptance of the Holy Spirit” ( Acts 7:1 ) it was Stephen’s turn to speak question: do you how many times is stephen mentioned in the bible... Holy Spirit, who gave him wisdom and courage to preach God’s truth length, it not... Use such tactics in order to preach despite fierce opposition courage to preach God’s truth way... Went west to Asia Minor and Rome ( Gal 1:21-2:1 ) to widows. Person was considered a “martyr” because he died  Stephen’s opposers leveled this twofold charge against him all evidence... Must have seen that he was enabled to perform “great portents and signs among the.. What did that mean poses a problem for the Law and the church of the East venerate Stephen as saint! Fun to ask a million questions when you open the Bible was divided into by... Was Stephen a precious asset to the fledgling Christian congregation years Old house will you build for me in! Acts 1:8 ) the opposers leveled this twofold charge against him, and what were some long-term of...

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