Saint Stephen was ordained one of the first deacons of the Christian faith by decree of the first apostles of Jesus after Jesus' crucifixion. He was outspoken about the hypocritical actions of the Jewish leaders. Many widows in Jerusalem were not being appropriately cared for, and Stephen made this known to the Sanhedrin. Instead of listening to his reasoning, the Jewish leaders and others led him outside the gates of Jerusalem and proceeded to stone him to death. As he was being stoned, he spoke these words, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60)
How does this act of martyrdom reflect the semiotic theory of iconic realism?
1. An iconic, real figure, Stephen, is brought to trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin. (an iconic, realistic figure in a place not usually associated with Christian leaders)
2. He believed in the Law of Moses, yet the Jewish leaders thought of him as a political and religious threat, and gave Saul of Tarsus orders to have him stoned to death. (An extreme action that causes Stephen to resist any thought of combative response.)
Note: Saul would eventually receive the Divine calling to serve the Lord as Paul and compose many of writings found in the New Testament.
3. As Stephen was being stoned, he was heard crying out, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts: 7:60) Forgiveness within his heart that reflected the words of Jesus before He perished on the cross. (This action brings the reading audience to an awareness of the need for forgiveness in order for one to save one's soul.
Saint Stephen's feast day is December 26.
Background information has been paraphrased from this website:
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