Stephen was an early convert in Jerusalem. Because the young church in this city had been experiencing considerable growth, the apostles found themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities. To overcome this, the twelve decided to appoint "seven men of good reputation" to help them with some of the more labour intensive tasks so that they could focus on preaching the gospel. Notice the criteria they used in selecting these men - they were men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3).

Stephen, in particular was identified as a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). Early on, it's recorded that Stephen "was performing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:9).

Contrary to the modern "prosperity" or "word of faith" gospel movements, Stephen's, and for that matter the lives of the apostles - demonstrate that conversion does not guarantee a life of comfort, social acceptance, and honour in this world.

Probably more than any other individual in the early church, Stephen's short life serves as an example to the "last days", persecuted church (Rev 6:9-11). Jesus told His disciples to expect the following:

Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

Matt 10:16-22

This is precisely what happened to Stephen. The religious leaders of his day brought up false charges and had him dragged to the Council. And "in that hour", it was "given to him what to say". It was the Spirit of the Father that used Stephen to respond to their accusations with one of the most eloquent summaries of the history of the Lord's dealings with His people Israel - from Abraham to David (Acts 7:1-53).

The Lord did not leave Stephen to fend for himself alone.

Jesus knew what was about to happen. Following this discourse to the Council, the Book of Acts records that:

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:55-56

In Stephen's most vulnerable moment, the Lord gave him this vision of the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God the Father. It was everything he needed to "persevere to the end and be saved".

While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:59-60