Stephen, a man full of the Holy Spirit, was as compassionate and dedicated as they get. He was the first person, post-crucifixion, to be martyred because of his love for our Savior. .
He was originally chosen, along with six others, by the apostles to "wait tables", or oversee food distribution, for all of the Jewish followers that they had. The apostles could not do this job because it would interfere with the teaching of the Word. They decided to choose men who were full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Stephen met their standards perfectly. He performed his job flawlessly. In chapter six of Acts it states that he was "a man full of God's grace and power", and he "did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people." For his dedication and his actions of truth he was brutally opposed by the priests of the synagogues. They persistently argued with Stephen and could not match his superior wisdom and knowledge of the old and new laws. This angered his enemies even more and led them to frame him. Those members of the synagogue persuaded some people to falsely accuse Stephen of blasphemy against their laws and of Moses. They set him up and all of the people believed he was guilty. Stephen was asked he if he would confess his guilt but instead he brought out their ignorance of the truth and how they are circumcised but not truly consecrated to the Lord. After hearing what Stephen had to so boldly say, the Sanhedrin was infuriated with him. At that very moment they took him outside and began to stone him. Even in the face of death Stephen was still committed to God. He asked, while being stoned, that God would receive his spirit and that those who brought about his death would be forgiven.
Joyce alludes to this story thoughout the novel, starting with Stephen's last name, Dedalus. ... At the end of the novel Stephen attempts to fly away for the very last time. ... For Stephen all women are symbols and to him Mercedes symbolizes truth and beauty. ... Stephens name is an allusion to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. ...
To further strengthen this belief, Stephen's first crush is on a female housekeeper. ... At the age of 8 her father gives Stephen her first horse as a gift; she refuses to ride sidesaddle. ... At ten years of age, when Stephen first picks up fencing, is the first debate over her hair. ... Stephen was first encouraged by Sir Phillip to use her bright mind to her advantage. ... In a way she hopes that Stephen will be a sort of martyr, because she has the ability to do so. ...
To further strengthen this belief, Stephen's first crush is on a female housekeeper. ... At the age of 8 her father gives Stephen her first horse as a gift; she refuses to ride sidesaddle. ... At ten years of age, when Stephen first picks up fencing, is the first debate over her hair. ... Stephen was first encouraged by Sir Phillip to use her bright mind to her advantage. ... In a way she hopes that Stephen will be a sort of martyr, because she has the ability to do so. ...
The rhythm that Joyce constructs in one of constant antithesis, with moments of victory juxtaposed to that of moments of realization, in which Stephen at first denunciates his affiliations before a return is made. The first major incident in which he turns his back on Catholicism can be seen with the scene of the prostitute, sinning with "another of his kind " and exulting "with her in sin " [Joyce: pg. 6]. ... Stephen's preference with Byron in response to the questioning of the greatest poet induces uproar and mockery from Heron in advocating that Stephen akin to "Byron was a heretic ...
In each of these works it was Joyce's main goal to create a story, in which the protagonist was a Catholic hero as well as a martyr, according to Richard Ellman, Joyce's biographer. ... Stephen has persistent feelings for a girl named Eileen, but the idea of them being together is frowned upon by his family, which upsets Stephen. ... Education leads Joyce, or Stephen, to become the author he is. ... This may by why Stephen has his first sexual experience with a prostitute. ... Stephen Dedalus has his first sexual experience with a prostitute at the age of fourteen. ...
In each of these works it was Joyce's main goal to create a story, in which the protagonist was a Catholic hero as well as a martyr, according to Richard Ellman, Joyce's biographer. ... Stephen has persistent feelings for a girl named Eileen, but the idea of them being together is frowned upon by his family, which upsets Stephen. ... Education leads Joyce, or Stephen, to become the author he is. ... This may by why Stephen has his first sexual experience with a prostitute. ... Stephen Dedalus has his first sexual experience with a prostitute at the age of fourteen. ...
Peter's first role in mission was his speech at Pentecost. ... Stephen and Philip recieved signs and wonders to endorse their mission. ... Stephen, however, was the first Christian martyr. ... Although he was not martyred, he realised that the message should be spread, therefore, he took it to the Picts in Scotland. ... The next major step was Stephen's death. ...
The Second Nun's Tale, a conventional religious biography, tells the story of St. Cecilia. Chaucer uses symbolism and imagery to manifest Cecilia as a Saint of God. St. Cecilia becomes the archetype of the savior in this tale. She saves Valerian and his brother and opens their eyes to Christ. V...
Lovejoy became the movement's first martyr when he was killed by a mob in Alton, Illinois, while defending his press." (474-475) Lovejoy would not have been the first martyr to antislavery among the African slaves, but he was the first martyr of the white abolitionists. ... To avoid the slavery issue, Senator Stephen A. ...