St Stephen the First Martyr

This life follows St Stephen almost entirely through the Acts of the Apostles, and that is enough to make the life shine. Stephen is one of the first seven deacons, full of faith, grace, and the Holy Ghost, doing wonders among the people and speaking with a wisdom his opponents could not withstand. When he was dragged before the Sanhedrin on a charge of blasphemy, he answered by setting Israel’s history in order and showing that the temple and the Mosaic shadows were temporary in view of the coming of Christ.

His final rebuke was fearless, his vision of heaven immediate, and his death like Christ’s in both commending his spirit and praying for his killers. It also keeps in view the young Saul standing there, a witness to the martyrdom that would help shape the future apostle.