St. Stephens Life
Who was the first deacon to be ordained?
St. Stephen
St. Stephen was described as "a man full of _____ and the holy spirit"
Faith
What did St. Stephen do that caused many to believe in God?
He performed miracles and preached about Jesus' resurrection.
Who brought St. Stephen to the council for judgement?
The non-believers and Jewish leaders
What does the word "martyr" mean?
Someone who dies for their faith.
Why was St. Stephen chosen to serve?
What gave St. Stephen the courage to speak the truth, even when threatened?
His strong faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
What message did Stephen preach to the people?
That Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead
What did the rulers do to try to silence Stephen?
They covered their ears and screamed loudly
What did Stephen say before he died?
"Lord, do not charge them with this sin."
What did the disciples ask the people to do before selecting deacons?
Choose 7 men of strong faith and good conduct
What did St. Stephen do when he stood before the rulers?
He boldly spoke about God, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses.
How did St. Stephen defend the faith against those who challenged him?
By using the Holy Bible and wisdom from the Holy Spirit
Why were the rulers angry with Stephen?
Because he spoke the truth that they didn't want to hear.
How did Stephen die?
He was stoned to death
What made people want to become Christians during St. Stephens time?
They believed in Christ's love and His resurrection.
What was seen on St. Stephens face when he spoke before the council?
It shone like the face of an angel.
What false accusations were made against Stephen?
That he spoke against Moses and God
What made Stephen's face shine like an angel's?
His face and the presence of the Holy Spirit
When is the feast of St. Stephen celebrated in the Coptic Church?
The first day of the month of Tobe (January 9)
What special title is given to St. Stephen that means "first martyr?"
Protomartyr
What did Stephen say when he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God?
He told the people what he saw, even though they didn't want to hear it.
Why couldn't the people win arguments against St. Stephen?
Because he answered with wisdom and the Holy Spirit guided him
What vision did Stephen have that made the people furious?
He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God
What two special roles is St. Stephen known for in the Church?
Protodeacon and Protomartyr