New Testamentmedium10 Questions

The Life of Stephen — The First Martyr Quiz

Stephen was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit who performed great wonders and signs among the people in Jerusalem. His bold witness to Jesus Christ and subsequent martyrdom marked a pivotal moment in early church history, demonstrating the courage of believers facing persecution. This quiz explores the life, ministry, and death of Christianity's first martyr as recorded in the Book of Acts.

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Question 1 of 10

What spiritual qualification is emphasized about Stephen when he is first introduced in Acts 6?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Stephen considered the first Christian martyr?+

Stephen is considered the first Christian martyr because Acts 7-8 records his execution by stoning as the first death of a believer specifically for witnessing to Jesus Christ and refusing to deny the faith. The Greek word 'martyr' (meaning witness) came to mean one who dies for their faith, and Stephen's death marked the beginning of systematic persecution against the early church.

What was significant about Stephen's connection to Saul?+

Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul) was present at Stephen's execution and guarded the cloaks of those stoning him (Acts 7:58). This encounter with Stephen's faithful testimony and apparent peace in the face of death may have profoundly impacted Saul, eventually contributing to his dramatic conversion to Christianity that was announced shortly after in Acts 9.

What does Stephen's speech in Acts 7 cover?+

Stephen's defense speech in Acts 7 reviews the history of Israel from Abraham through Solomon, highlighting God's faithfulness throughout the Old Testament. He traces how Israel repeatedly resisted the Holy Spirit and rejected God's messengers, culminating in his accusation that his listeners are resisting the Holy Spirit just as their ancestors did, ultimately challenging them to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's history.