This work is based on the biblical story of the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, traditionally regarded as the first Christian martyr, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles.

Stephen was a member of the early ChurchinJerusalem. He was an inspired and charismatic preacher, but he aroused great hostility among the members of the various synagogues by his teachings, and he was accused of blasphemy. At his trial he looked up to heaven anddeclaredthat he saw God in his Glory, with Jesus standi...