Stephen dies because he believes in Jesus

Soon there were so many believers that the apostles could not take care of all of them. Some people did not get their share of food every day. The apostles gathered all the believers together and asked them to choose seven men to serve as deacons.

They said, “These seven men must be wise and full of the Holy Spirit. They will then make sure that everyone gets their share of the food. And we will have time to pray and teach about God to the believers.” The people chose seven men and the apostles prayed for them and put their hands on them. One of the seven men was called Stephen. Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He did many miracles among the people. Many people praised God for Stephen, but others were jealous. They hated him and began to spread lies. They said, “Stephen speaks evil things against Moses and against God.”

The teachers of the law arrested Stephen and found witnesses who were willing to tell lies about Stephen. They said, “This man speaks against the temple and against the law.”

The teachers of the law looked at Stephen while the witnesses were speaking. They saw that his face was shining like an angel’s face.

The high priest asked him, “Are these people telling the truth?”

Stephen stood up and began to speak to the people. He told them the story of the Israelites. He told how God had led the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land. He also reminded them how they had often disobeyed God. This made the priests and teachers of the law very angry. They ground their teeth. Stephen did not even look at them. He looked up to heaven and said, “Look! I see heaven. I see Jesus standing at God’s right hand. He is God’s Son.”

When the Sanhedrin heard this, they began to yell at the top of their voices. They all rushed at Stephen and dragged him out of the city. They began to throw stones at him to kill him.

When the people began to take off their coats, they put them at the feet of a young man named Saul. He was a very clever young Pharisee and he hated the believers. Stephen began to pray. He said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees. He cried out, “Lord! Please forgive them their sins.” And then he died.

He was the first one of Jesus’ followers who died because he believed in Jesus. Acts 7:54-60