„STEPHANUS, EIN MANN ERFÜLLT VON GLAUBE UND HEILIGEM GEIST“ (APG 6,5).GRUNDZÜGE EINES NACHFOLGERS JESU IN DER STEPHANUSEPISODE APG 6,1-8,3
“STEPHEN, A MAN FILLED WITH FAITH AND HOLY SPIRIT” (Acts 6,5). THE FEATURES OF A FOLLOWER OF JESUS IN THE STEPHEN-EPISODE of Acts 6,1–8,3

Summary/Abstract: This article examines, with the aid of canonical-intertextual exegesis, the depiction of Stephen in Acts 6:1-8:3 and its role in the development of Christian identity. The Acts of the Apostles, the second part of Luke-Acts, promises to narrate the proclamation of the gospel from Jerusalem “to the end of the earth.” Acts 6:1-8:3 marks a threshold in this movement, in that Ste-phen’s stoning is the beginning of the proclamation outside of Jerusalem. That this text func-tions as a threshold is seen also in its content and in the picture of Stephen drawn there. Christian identity is reflected in the figure of Stephen in different respects. In continuity with prophetic figures of Israel’s history, Stephen testifies to the fact that the transcendent God in principle is present everywhere, particularly in his agents (primarily Jesus Christ). Furthermore, Stephen is depicted as a prototype of Christian discipleship, retaining this commitment to Jesus Christ even while being persecuted and stoned. Stephen is thus an example of following Jesus, even into death.

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