Saint Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen by the early Christian community in Jerusalem to assist the Apostles in serving the faithful. According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was a man of faith and the Holy Spirit who preached the Gospel and performed signs among the people. His preaching led to opposition, and he was brought before the Jewish council, where he boldly proclaimed his faith in Christ. Stephen was condemned and taken outside Jerusalem, where he was stoned to death. As he died, he prayed for the forgiveness of those who were killing him. His martyrdom, traditionally dated to around AD 34, made him known as the Protomartyr, or first Christian martyr. His story is recorded in Acts 6–7.