After all the wonderful and joyful celebrations of Christmas we may find it strange to have the feast of Stephen on the very next day, a story of a man's violent death. Could we not keep it until the celebrations are over? But we need to ask, Who is Stephen? Stephen is the very first follower of Christ to walk in his footsteps and give his life for his Lord. There are many similarities between Jesus and Stephen. They were both arrested by the leaders of their people. They were both put on trial before the Council of the Elders (the Sanhedrin). However, whereas Jesus said very little during his trial, Stephen gave a long speech about the history of his people. And just as Jesus said that people would see him sitting in glory at the right hand of the Father, that is exactly what Jesus told his judges he himself was seeing. Like his Master, his words were regarded as outright blasphemy to be punished by death. Like his Master, Stephen is dragged outside the city but, instead of being crucified (something only the Romans could do) was stoned to death. Looking on with full approval was a man called Saul. The experience would change his life.