St. Stephen Our First Martyr (Protomartyr)

In The Books of Acts,chapters 6 and 7, we read about Stephen,the first martyr of the Christian Church. He was one of seven chosen by the Apostles to look after the daily needs of the poor within the Church.He was described as a man of faith and power who did "great signs and wonders among the people". Because of his preaching, "the Word of God spread, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem." As had happened with Jesus, the Jews became jealous and began to falsely accuse him of blasphemy. Stephen subsequently was brought before a council of the synagogue to give an answer to this charge.In chapter seven of The Book of Acts, he provides an incredible and impassioned defense of the Christian faith by giving a "history" of the Old Testament concluding with a condemnation of the Jewish leaders for rejecting Jesus.For his testimony, Stephen is stoned to death.Is it any wonder that the Church recognizes Stephen on December 26? I would urge everyone to reread The Book of Acts, Chapters 6 and 7.
I find it interesting that the accusers of Stephen,when they heard him proclaim that he saw "the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God they, "stopped their ears" and ran at him to get him out of the city. It sort of makes you think of the extreme reaction of people to the mention and display of things pertaining to Jesus and God in this present day and age.