Did you know that the famed St. Paul in the Holy Bible knew St. Stephen, the first martyr? Back then, St. Paul’s name was Saul, and he and Stephen were not what you would call friends.

December 26th, the day after Christmas, commemorates the feast of the first martyr of the Church, St. Stephen. He was among the disciples of Jesus, and after the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven, was chosen to be one of the first seven deacons of the Church. The account of his martyrdom is recorded in the Holy Bible in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6 & 7.

St. Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people, and converted many. Some in the synagogues tried to argue with him, but were confounded by the wisdom that he spoke. In their frustration, these enemies of Christ bribed others to falsely accuse St. Stephen. These false witnesses then claimed that Stephen was heard blaspheming Moses.

The Jews then arrested Stephen, and he was taken to the council in Jerusalem, many of whom had likely been a part of Jesus’ Own trial. Once before them, he disputed the cause of Jesus so well that the Jews became so enraged that they, "crying out with a loud voice, covered their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him."

Their hatred was so great that their unfinished ‘trial’ of Stephen instantly became his execution… or rather, murder: "And casting him forth outside the city, they stoned him.

"And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul."

This young man Saul was a staunch enemy of the Church, and he fiercely opposed anything of Jesus Christ. The Holy Bible comments on Saul in the next chapter of the Acts, saying, "Saul made havoc of the Church, entering in from house to house, and dragging away men and women, putting them in prison." By tending to the coats of those who stoned Stephen, Saul was participating in this cruel act, and watched the Saint die before him.

"And they stoned Stephen. And he invoking, said: ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’

"And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: ‘Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his death." (Acts 7:56-59)

Forgiveness, especially towards those who unjustly harm us, is one of the greatest and most powerful of prayers. St. Stephen’s act of forgiveness at his death, begging God to have mercy on his enemies, obtained effective graces. Only two chapters later in the Acts, the sudden conversion of Saul is recorded, a moment that lead to his utter change of heart and acceptance of the Catholic Faith. The once violent enemy of Jesus Christ had now become His unstoppable follower. The works of St. Paul are renowned for their spreading of the Faith. St. Stephen’s heroic forgiveness had produced incredible consequences.

St. Paul continued what St. Stephen had greatly desired for the Church. And although in St. Stephen's last moments on earth, they were enemies, today there is no doubt that both St. Paul and St. Stephen are now enjoying a very special friendship in Heaven!