Profiting from the Accounts about Stephen

Five considerations about the accounts in Scripture about Stephen show that we should profit from this material:

They are inspired Scripture intended for our profit (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Their vast overall length shows their importance – 73 verses in the NT (6:5-6; 6:8-15; 7:1-60; 8:1a; 8:2; 22:20)
The unique information they provide – the only inspired record of the final words and actions of a Christian martyr (7:56; 59-60)
The emphasis on the Spirit’s role in his life throughout the accounts (first mention of him highlights his being Spirit-filled [6:5; cf. 6:3]; irresistible ministry through the Spirit [6:10]; Spirit-filled testimony [7:55-56] and prayers [7:59-60] at his martyrdom) shows that he is an exemplary believer
Striking parallels between his experience with the Jewish council (and others) and Jesus’ experience with many of the same people (see my earlier post)