STEPHEN is the acknowledged forerunner of the apostle of the Gentiles. He was the first to "look steadfastly to the end of that which is abolished," to sound the death-knell of the Mosaic ordinances and the temple worship, and to claim for the gospel unfettered liberty and universal rights. "This man," said his accusers, "ceaseth not to speak words against the holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." The charge was only false, as misrepresenting the spirit which animated his teaching. The accused attempts no denial, but pleads justification. To seal this testimony the first blood of the noble army of martyrs is shed.
The indirect consequences of his martyrdom extend far beyond the immediate effect of his dying words. A persecution "arose about Stephen." The disciples . . . "were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria." Some of the refugees even "travelled as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch." This dispersion was, as we shall see, the parent of the first Gentile congregation. The church of the Gentiles, it may be truly said, was baptized in the blood of Stephen.
— From St. Paul'S Epistle To The Galatians,
