Stephen

One of the first seven deacons chosen by the Jerusalem church to distribute food fairly. He was described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit, performing great wonders. He was arrested and gave a sweeping speech about Israel's history before the Sanhedrin. When he declared he saw the Son of Man standing at God's right hand the crowd stoned him. Dying, he prayed 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' He was the first Christian martyr, and Saul (Paul) watched over the cloaks of those who stoned him.