The first apostle to be stoned to death was Stephen. According to the Bible, Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. He was known for his wisdom and his ability to perform miracles. However, his preaching of the gospel and his criticism of the Jewish religious leaders led to his arrest and eventual stoning.

Stephen's stoning is described in the book of Acts in the New Testament. In Acts 7:54-60, it is written that Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council, and accused of blasphemy. Despite his defense of his faith, the council sentenced him to death by stoning. As he was being stoned, Stephen famously prayed for his persecutors, saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

Stephen's martyrdom marked the beginning of a wave of persecution against early Christians in Jerusalem. His death is seen as a powerful example of faith and forgiveness in the face of extreme adversity. Stephen's feast day is celebrated on December 26th in the Christian calendar.

To learn more about the life and martyrdom of Stephen, you can visit Bible Gateway for the full account of his stoning in Acts 7. You can also explore Catholic Online for more information on Stephen's significance in Christian history.

Stephen's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians and the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. His courage and forgiveness in the midst of his suffering continue to inspire Christians around the world today.

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