The Stoning of Stephen

Stephen lies wounded on rocky ground as an accuser raises a large stone above him, capturing the brutal martyrdom of the early church’s first recorded witness to die for Christ. Blood marks Stephen’s back while he shields his head, surrounded by jagged stones and a harsh wall of rock that intensifies the violence of the scene. The subject draws from Acts 7, where Stephen, filled with faith, testified before hostile leaders and entrusted his spirit to the Lord Jesus as stones fell upon him. His suffering reveals the cost of faithful witness and the courage of a disciple who clings to Christ even under persecution. This artwork serves church teaching, sermon visuals, Bible study resources, persecution ministry themes, and reflections on martyrdom, forgiveness, and steadfast faith. by Jeff Preston