THE EARLY CHURCH — EPISODE 4: STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR
Based on Acts 6:8-7:60
Series: The Early Church | Episode 4 of 5
Target audience: Kids ages 7-15
I need to tell you about one of the bravest people who ever lived. His name was Stephen. And his story will wreck you — in the best possible way.
Stephen wasn't one of the twelve apostles. He was chosen to serve the church — making sure widows got food. A behind-the-scenes guy. But he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and God did extraordinary miracles through him.
Not everyone was happy about it.
Religious leaders argued with Stephen but couldn't win — his wisdom was too sharp. So they did what people do when they can't beat the truth: they lied. They paid false witnesses to say Stephen spoke against God and Moses.
They dragged him before the religious council. Everyone stared at him. And here's the wild part — the Bible says his face looked like the face of an angel. Literally glowing.
The high priest asked, "Are these charges true?" Stephen didn't back down. He launched into an incredible sermon — walking through Israel's entire history. Abraham. Joseph. Moses. David. Solomon. He showed how God's people had resisted the Holy Spirit over and over again.
Then he looked the council dead in the eyes and said: "You are just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit!"
They were furious. Grinding their teeth in rage. But Stephen wasn't looking at them anymore.
He looked up toward heaven, and his eyes went wide. "Look!" he said. "I see heaven open — and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
That was me he saw. I was standing. Not sitting on my throne — standing. Standing up for my servant Stephen.
The crowd screamed, covered their ears, and rushed at him. They dragged him outside the city and started throwing stones at him.
And as the rocks rained down, Stephen said two things that still echo through history. First: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And then, on his knees, with his last breath: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
He forgave them. Just like I forgave the people who crucified me. With his dying breath, Stephen chose love over hatred.
And standing in the crowd that day, watching the whole thing and approving of it — was a young man named Saul. Remember that name. You'll hear it again.
Some people pay the ultimate price for faith. Stephen was the first. But even in death, he showed the world what it looks like to follow me all the way to the end.
