An Interview with Stephen, the First Martyr

Introduction:
Stephen, one of the early followers of Jesus, was a man filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and courage. As one of the first deacons appointed by the apostles to serve the growing community of believers, he was known for his powerful testimony, even in the face of severe persecution. His story is recorded in Acts 6 and 7, where he boldly defended his faith before the Sanhedrin and ultimately became the first Christian martyr. Today, we have the unique opportunity to imagine an interview with Stephen to gain insight into his journey, faith, and ultimate sacrifice.

Interviewer: Stephen, thank you for speaking with us today. Please start by telling us a bit about your background and how you came to faith in Jesus.

Stephen: It’s an honor to be here. I grew up in a Jewish family, and from a young age, I learned the Scriptures, the Law, and the history of our people. We were awaiting the Messiah, the One who would save and restore Israel. When I heard about Jesus and the things He had done, I couldn’t deny that He was the promised Messiah. His life, His teachings, His death, and His resurrection all fulfilled the prophecies written in our Scriptures. Through Him, I found salvation and a new purpose.

Interviewer: How did you become involved in the early Christian community, and what was your role?

Stephen: In the early days of the church, as the number of believers grew, the apostles were overwhelmed with the needs of the community. Many widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, so the apostles decided to appoint seven men to oversee this ministry. I was humbled to be chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve and care for the needs of others (Acts 6:1-6). My role was to ensure that no one in our community was neglected and that we showed Christ’s love through acts of service.

Interviewer: Acts 6:8 says that you were “full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people.” Can you tell us about that?

Stephen: Yes, I am grateful to God for allowing me to serve in such a way. The power of the Holy Spirit was working through me, and it was truly humbling to witness God’s grace at work. Through His Spirit, I was able to perform miracles and share the message of Jesus boldly. This wasn’t done to draw attention to myself, but to testify to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and His kingdom. The signs and wonders were simply a reflection of God’s power, not my own.

Interviewer: Eventually, you found yourself facing opposition. Could you describe how that unfolded?

Stephen: As I preached about Jesus and His resurrection, certain men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen opposed me (Acts 6:9). They argued with me, but they couldn’t stand up to the wisdom and the Spirit by whom I spoke (Acts 6:10). So, they resorted to stirring up false accusations, claiming I had spoken blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11-14). They accused me of speaking against the holy temple and the law, but my heart was burdened for them. I wanted them to see that Jesus was the fulfillment of everything we held dear.

Interviewer: In Acts 7, you delivered a powerful speech before the Sanhedrin. What inspired you to give such a bold defense?

Stephen: I knew that this was my opportunity to bear witness to the truth, even though the situation was hostile. Filled with the Holy Spirit, I shared a summary of Israel’s history, from Abraham to Moses to David, to show that our people had consistently resisted God’s messengers. I reminded them of how our ancestors had rejected God’s prophets, and I urged them to see that they were now doing the same by rejecting Jesus, the Righteous One whom God had sent (Acts 7:51-53).

Interviewer: That’s incredibly brave, especially since you were facing possible death. What gave you the strength to speak so courageously?

Stephen: I trusted in God completely. I remembered Jesus’ words: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). My life was in God’s hands, and I knew that He was with me. When I looked up, I saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56). It was a vision that filled me with peace and assurance. No matter what they did to me, I was secure in God’s love.

Interviewer: After your speech, you were taken out and stoned to death. How did you respond in those final moments?

Stephen: As they dragged me out to stone me, my heart was filled with compassion. I remembered Jesus’ words from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). I prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Even though they were filled with anger and hatred, I wanted them to experience God’s forgiveness and grace. I didn’t hold bitterness in my heart because I knew that Christ had forgiven me, and I wanted to reflect that same love to them.

Interviewer: Many readers find it significant that Saul, who later became Paul, was present at your stoning. How do you feel about that?

Stephen: Yes, Saul was there, watching and approving of my death (Acts 8:1). I knew that he was zealous for the law, but I prayed that God would open his eyes to the truth. Little did I know at the time that God had great plans for him! Saul would later become one of the most passionate apostles of Jesus Christ, bringing the gospel to the Gentiles and suffering greatly for the name of Jesus. In a way, I feel that God used my death as part of Saul’s journey to faith. It’s a reminder that God can transform even the hardest hearts.

Interviewer: Your story has inspired countless believers throughout history. What message would you like to share with Christians today who face persecution or hardship for their faith?

Stephen: I would encourage them to hold fast to their faith in Jesus. When we face persecution or hardship, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the love and grace of Christ in a powerful way. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Our sufferings are temporary, but the reward we have in Christ is eternal. No matter what happens, remember that Jesus is with you, and His Spirit will give you the strength to endure.

Reflections on Stephen’s Story:

Stephen’s life and death teach us profound lessons about faith, courage, and forgiveness. His willingness to serve the community, his boldness in sharing the gospel, and his compassionate heart toward those who persecuted him all reflect the character of Christ. Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God serves as a reminder that Jesus is present with us, even in our darkest moments.

In a world where Christians still face persecution, Stephen’s example encourages believers to remain faithful, to trust in God’s justice, and to pray for those who oppose them. His final words, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” challenge us to forgive our enemies and pray for their salvation. Stephen’s life was a living testimony of the gospel, and his death was a powerful witness to the transforming power of Jesus’ love.

Conclusion:

Through this imaginary interview with Stephen, we glimpse the heart of a man wholly committed to Christ. His story continues to resonate with believers today, reminding us that our faith is not just a set of beliefs, but a call to live, love, and sacrifice as Christ did. As Stephen’s life and death show us, true discipleship requires a willingness to lay down our lives—whether figuratively or literally—for the sake of the gospel.

May we all strive to embody Stephen’s courage, faith, and compassion in our own lives, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need of hope and redemption.