Catholic Saints Podcast – St. Stephen

Host: Tim Gray
Guest: Dr. Michael Barber
Date: December 26, 2025
Produced by: Augustine Institute

Episode Overview

This episode of the Catholic Saints podcast focuses on St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr and an extraordinary early apologist. Host Tim Gray and guest Dr. Michael Barber, both from the Augustine Institute, explore Stephen’s pivotal role in the Book of Acts, especially regarding his trial, speech before the Sanhedrin, and martyrdom. The conversation dives deep into scriptural analysis, Stephen’s witness, and his lasting theological significance, particularly his relationship to St. Paul and the meaning of Christian martyrdom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. St. Stephen: Context and Early Leadership

• St. Stephen’s Selection
  • Stephen is one of the seven men appointed by the apostles to address the pastoral needs of the growing early Church, inaugurating the order of deacons ([00:02]).
  • “[Stephen] is the one who is especially going to be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. And he is going to become the leading apologist for the Christian movement.” — Tim Gray ([01:56])
• Stephen’s Distinction
  • Stephen stands out among the seven for his education, eloquence, and ability to convincingly argue from Scripture ([02:20-02:57]).

2. Stephen’s Trial: Parallels with Jesus

• Brought Before the Sanhedrin
  • Stephen’s trial mirrors Jesus’ in several ways — he is falsely accused, brought before the Sanhedrin, and faces trumped-up charges ([03:17],[04:44]).
  • “Any reader of Acts immediately feels uncomfortable...the last time you read about a man who was arrested and...put on trial before the Sanhedrin, it didn’t go too well, right? ...So we know Stephen is now going to be in the place of Christ.” — Dr. Michael Barber ([03:23])
• Accusations: Against the Temple and Law
  • The accusations against Stephen echo those against Jesus:
    1. Speaking against the Temple
    2. Speaking against the Law of Moses ([04:44-06:01])

3. The Temple: Stephen’s “Attack” and Deeper Theological Meaning

• Christ and the Temple
  • Stephen’s teaching that Christ is “greater than the temple” challenges established Pharisaic beliefs ([06:01-07:42]).
  • Early Christians, including Stephen, insist Jesus’ sacrifice fulfills and transforms temple worship ([08:01-09:10]).
• Relativizing the Temple
  • “The locus of God’s presence has moved to Jesus...So the locus of God’s presence is moved to Jesus.” — Tim Gray ([10:13])
  • Stephen’s use of Isaiah, “The Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands,” suggests idolization of the temple is possible ([11:05-11:49]).
  • “He wants to emphasize that when Solomon built the temple, it was clear God can’t be contained in this house.” — Dr. Michael Barber ([11:05])

4. The Law: Obedience and Circumcision of the Heart

• Reversal of Charges: Who Obeys Moses?
  • Stephen invokes salvation history and the promise of “circumcised hearts” from Deuteronomy, flipping the charge of disobedience ([13:23-14:50]):
    • “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart…” — Stephen’s speech, paraphrased ([13:23])
    • “Stephen is saying, you’re the ones disobeying Moses. We’re the ones obeying him.” — Tim Gray ([15:57])
• Pattern of Rejection
  • Israel’s leaders routinely reject those sent by God—Joseph, Moses, the prophets, and now Jesus ([16:40-17:24]).

5. Stephen’s Martyrdom: The Model of Christ

• Echoes of Jesus’ Passion
  • Stephen’s dying words mirror Jesus’:
    • “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ([18:27])
    • “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” ([18:31])
• Theological Implications
  • Stephen’s prayer demonstrates belief in Christ’s divinity, as he commends his spirit directly to Jesus ([18:27-18:45]).
  • Real martyrdom is “witness” (martyria) — both in speech and by giving one’s life ([19:46-21:20]).

6. Stephen and Saul (Paul): Legacy and Spiritual Connection

• Saul’s Role
  • Saul (later Paul) is present and authorizes Stephen’s execution ([21:40-23:30]).
  • “Had Stephen not prayed these words, ...the Church would not have received the gift of St. Paul.” — Dr. Michael Barber, quoting St. Augustine ([23:16])
• Stephen as Spiritual Father of Paul
  • Stephen’s martyrdom and theology deeply influence Paul’s later writings and mission ([25:31-27:37]).
  • “Stephen is the crown in the book of Acts...he wins the crown in giving his life to Christ.” — Dr. Michael Barber ([26:33])

7. Takeaways for Listeners: Witnessing Like Stephen

• Witness Through Life and Death
  • “The most powerful way for us to witness is with our life...If you fear God, you will not fear anything else. If you don’t fear God, you will fear everything else.” — Tim Gray ([21:20])
• Scripture and the Christian Journey
  • The path Stephen marks — becoming like Christ through both testimony and suffering — is the call for all Christians.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stephen’s Apologetics:
  • “He’s got an education and an articulation that’s just convincing and compelling. And we’re told that nobody can stand up to him.” — Tim Gray ([01:56])
• On Relativizing the Temple:
  • “The Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands ... Stephen is saying the temple is important, but it shouldn’t be absolutized.” — Dr. Michael Barber ([11:05-11:49])
• Stephen’s Christ-like Prayer:
  • “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” — Stephen’s last words ([18:27])
  • “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” — Stephen ([18:31])
• On Stephen as Model Martyr:
  • “Stephen isn’t just saved in the sense of being forgiven of sin. Stephen becomes like Christ... he’s a model of what it means to be a martyr.” — Dr. Michael Barber ([19:22])
• Stephen’s Enduring Legacy:
  • “Stephen’s greatest legacy: well, 13 letters of St. Paul in the New Testament, right?” — Dr. Michael Barber ([24:21])
  • “Stephen is the spiritual father of the Apostle Paul.” — Tim Gray ([25:31])

Important Timestamps

• [00:02–02:57] — Introduction; overview of Acts, Easter season, Stephen’s appointment
• [03:17–04:44] — Stephen’s trial and parallels to Jesus
• [06:01–11:49] — Discussion on accusations against the temple and deeper meaning
• [13:21–15:57] — Accusation against the Law and Moses; circumcision of the heart
• [17:24–19:46] — Stephen’s martyrdom, Christ-like death, significance for Christians
• [21:40–23:30] — Stephen’s execution, Saul’s involvement, and significance
• [23:16–25:31] — Augustine’s insight on Stephen’s prayer and Paul’s conversion
• [26:33–28:03] — Paul’s later theology reflecting Stephen’s influence

Conclusion

The episode offers a rich scriptural and theological exploration of St. Stephen’s witness, his centrality in the early Church, and the powerful legacy he left through both his teaching and his martyrdom. Listeners are encouraged to be bold witnesses, to seek Christ above all, and to remember that the fruit of Christian suffering may unfold in ways beyond our imagining—just as Stephen’s last prayer bore fruit in the conversion and ministry of St. Paul.