Stephen
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Stephen was a Hellenist Jew elected as one of the Seven to manage the daily distribution of food to widows in the Jerusalem church, and is historically noted for his defense of Christian theology and subsequent execution by stoning.
What is the meaning of Stephen in the Bible?
Stephen was a Hellenist Jew elected as one of the Seven to manage the daily distribution of food to widows in the Jerusalem church, and is historically noted for his defense of Christian theology and subsequent execution by stoning.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Stephen's role clarifies the early tension between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jewish Christians and provides context for the rapid spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem following his martyrdom.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.