STEPHEN
He was one of seven deacons of the apostolic church (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen preached the Gosepl to the Jewish synagogue and was put ot death by the Sanhedrin, becoming the first Chirstian martyr (Acts 7). The time of his death is supposed to have been the following spring after Christ's crucifixion,
in AD 31-32.
Paul, prior to becoming a disciple of Christ was present at his stoning and even held the clothes of those who killed him.
About 2000 Christians were killed during the persecution that arose about Stephen.
