I believe that Stephen was the first martyr for Christianity. He was apparently very well versed in the gospel as he was the first to proclaim to the Jews that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ. This must have incensed Saul at that time although later it was a central message in the ministry of Paul. The logic that men such as Abraham worshipped God acceptably before the law of Moses is hard to deny. Stephen demonstrates that the seven who were to assist the apostles did more than distribute the goods held in common by the saints.
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