The first martyr. That's not one of the top ten sermons you would normally want to hear on any given Sunday. Yet the story & life of Stephen is pivotal to the advancement of the gospel in the early history of the church. Additionally, Stephen had clearly grasped the greatness of Jesus & the freedom of forgiveness in his new life as a Christ-follower. He sets for us an example of a life spent for Christ as he laid down his life for his friends.