Paul's Letters Background

In Acts 6, 7, and 8 we read of the context of the early Christian missionary movement. After the martyrdom of Stephen, Christian preachers like Philip, Peter, and John went north from Jerusalem into Samaria, Caesarea, and Antioch (which is where Paul started his missionary journeys.)


Some striking aspects of the description of the events surrounding Stephen's death include:

The Christians' boldness in lamenting Stephen's death. Lamenting a "blasphemer's" death was not normally allowed.

They scattered, not to flee for safety, but to preach.

Stephen's vision differs from many in the Old Testament. Compared with Isaiah's vision in the Temple, Stephen sees a comforting, inviting God with Jesus. This vision might give us sound ideas for how to pray for Christians facing persecution and martyrdom.

The stoning of Stephen must have been a "penultimate" event moving towards Paul's conversion. While this event did not immediately bring about Paul's acceptance of Christ, it may have put some haunting questions in his mind and heart. Many of our actions and interactions with people might have potential for functioning in a similar way.