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==Main article==
Stephen was a Christian whose story is told in the [[Book of Acts]]. He was stoned to death for his beliefsbecause of accusations of blasphemy, described in [[Acts 7]]. The [[apostle Paul]] (Saul) was present at Stephen's death, giving approval to it. Following his death, the Jews of the early church became dispersed throughout Judea, Samaria and their Diaspora homelands, taking the gospel with them.
===Theology of Stephen===
In [[Acts 6]] and [[Acts 7|7]] a picture emergences that shows Stephen questioning the importance of the Temple and the Mosaic Law. In his mind, Jesus fulfilled and superseded these.
===Speech===
After Stephen was accused of blasphemy he was brought before the Sanhedrin, where he gave a speech in his defence. Key features of this speech include the Jewish leaders' ongoing rejection of God's prophets throughout Israel's history, culminating now in their rejection of Jesus, God's righteous one. Stephen reveals in his speech his understanding that God does not live in man-made buildings, but
===Death of Stephen===