Few other biblical figures have inspired and mystified the faithful through the generations as the Apostle Stephen, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ. Stephen was a Hellenistic Jew from the Greek city of Cyprus. He was part of the original cell of Christians that formed the early Church and is mentioned several times throughout the Book of Acts. Stephen was known for his boldness and faithfulness which ultimately led to his martyrdom. But was Stephen In The Bible married? The answer is a resounding “no”.
The Bible provides no evidence that Stephen was ever married. Several third-party sources report that there may have been a marriage at one point, but that is not supported by the biblical text. While some suggest that Stephen may have been married at some point during the ministry of Jesus, this is highly unlikely. Stephen was a single man who devoted his entire life to serving the Lord and spreading his message.
Most theologians agree that the life of Stephen was one of single-minded devotion to God and God’s cause. Since there is absolutely no indication in the Bible that Stephen was married, it is fairly safe to assume he never married. According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, “There is not the slightest evidence such as to permit us to believe that Stephen was ever married.” Stephen’s complete lack of family life only accentuates his noteworthy dedication and single-mindedness to the Christian faith.
The verses from Acts are also inconclusive regarding Stephen’s supposed marriage or lack thereof; as it never explicitly says that Stephen was or was not married. Greek historian Nicodemus of the thirteenth century is often quoted as saying Stephen was married, but this is disputed by some. Additionally, other apocryphal sources, such as the Acts of Stephen, refer to the martyr’s widow and sons. So it appears there is early source material attesting to Stephen being married, but this is not necessarily reliable information.
Furthermore, based on the data provided by the New Testament, Stephen would not have had the requisite time to be married as it would have interfered with his role as an active disciple of Christ. Between his conversion and death, Stephen seems to have been constantly on-the-move, preaching and working miracles. This further implies that he did not have (or make) the time to marry, as the life of a married servant of the Lord would have been impossible to juggle with his often-hectic lifestyle.
Given that Stephen was so committed to his mission from the Lord, it is not surprising that he focused all of his time and energy on spreading the Gospel and helping those in need rather than making a family of his own. It is likely that Stephen viewed marriage as something of an obstacle to his calling in life, and so chose to remain unmarried, even in an era when it was seen as too unusual to be socially acceptable. This alone speaks to the strength of his dedication, as well as his commitment to live as a model for others.
How Was Stephen Viewed by the Early Church?
Stephen was held in high esteem by the early Church, and is considered one of the first martyrs of the faith. He is remembered with great admiration for his fierce loyalty and devout faith. Widely respected, he was often referred to as the “protomartyr” for his part in the initial persecution of believers and paving the way for Christianity to spread throughout the world.
This is evident in the significant focus that Stephen’s story receives in The Book of Acts. He was even granted a speech as he faced certain death, providing him an opportunity to share his philosophical insights and further preaching the Gospel. Stephen’s bravery has inspired countless Christians throughout the centuries, and his story still resonates with believers today.
Stephen’s legacy is even reflected in popular culture, with the Stephen’s statue featured in the film Godfather II, a Hollywood depiction of the profound impact he had on the early Church. That Stephen remains such an integral figure within Christian history even 1500 years after his death speaks to the strength of his likeness.
Was Stephen’s Devotion to Service Unusual?
Stephen’s dedication to service was unusual for his time, as it was broadly accepted that marriage was a requirement for a man of Stephen’s caliber. Marriage was seen as a part of a man’s maturity and social standing, and even viewed as part of a man’s responsibility to society. Despite this, tradition dictates that Stephen chose to remain single.
In an era when marriage was seen as sacrament and the unmarried were largely scorned, it is remarkable that Stephen chose to stay unmarried despite his venerable social status and religious office. Even more astonishing is the fact that during biblical times, this selfless choice to remain single was held against him. At his trial before the Sanhedrin, Stephen’s single status was used as a point of accusation.
It speaks to the strength of Stephen’s conviction and will that he chose to remain single despite the consequences. By bucking societal norms and embracing the call of God, Stephen paved the way for those following Him to maintain a similar level of commitment and faithfulness.
The Role of Marriage in the Bible
The Bible has a great deal to say about marriage and its purposes. In scripture, marriage is presented as a gift from God, meant to unify both husband and wife as one. It is also seen as a partnership of love and trust, that issues encouragement for hard work and dedication. Most importantly, marriage is described as a holy institution, and a vehicle through which Christian couples can become sanctified through obedience and service.
Even though Stephen did not partake in marriage, his devotion to single-minded service and conviction was no less significant. His was a true act of courage and unwavering faith – a testament to the strength of his commitment to the Lord.
Throughout the Christian Bible, there are many examples of single people who devoted their lives to the faith, not just Stephen. In fact, Jesus himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt. 20:28). Jesus’ example, more than anything else, shows the importance of unconditional devotion to God even in the absence of a marital partner.
What Was the Impact of Stephen’s Unmarried Status On His Legacy?
Had Stephen been married, his legacy would likely be vastly different. He would have to have dedicated time and energy to his family, in addition to his responsibilities to the Church. As such, he would not have had the same level of influence he enjoyed as an unmarried disciple and apostle.
Stephen’s single-minded devotion – something only made possible by his unmarried status – was the key factor in his uncontested leadership in the early Church. Not only was this commitment reflected in his willingness to preach and perform miracles, but also in his willingness to push back against the religious leaders of his day. His unwavering loyalty to God is what allowed him to withstand the persecution of the Sanhedrin and remain true to his faith, despite his imminent death.
Stephen’s legacy as an exemplary figure has lived on for centuries. His courage, faithfulness, and devotion to service without fail remain a guiding light for many today. As a result, Stephen’s choice to remain unmarried is just as important to his legacy as his boldness and unconditional love for God.
Was Stephen’s Singleness a Choice?
The answer to this question is ultimately uncertain. It is quite possible Stephen was simply unsuited for marriage – and thus chose to focus his full commitment to God’s mission. Regardless, Stephen had to be of exceptional resolve to turn his back on the widely accepted customs of his day. The fact that his devotion to service and obedience was strong enough to outweigh convention was seen as a great stirring testimony to his faith. This act of courage has inspired millions down through the centuries, and his example still resonates with believers to this day.
In addition to the prospect of a lack of suitors, Stephen’s single-mindedness likely kept him from forming any sort of marital bond. After all, he had been called to a higher calling, and devoted himself to its exclusive service. While some may have viewed Stephen’s choice to stay single as a reflection of his innate character, others may have seen it as a testament of his courage, commitment, and fierce dedication to the Lord.
Conclusion: An Uncompromising Faith
The evidence indicates that Stephen in The Bible was not married. Reports of a marriage are an unfounded assumption, based on speculation and personal interpretation. It is far more likely that Stephen never married due to the extreme commitment and dedication he had to his work and the faith. This was a remarkable decision, especially during the period when marriage was more highly prized and seen as a customary route for a man of Stephen’s caliber.
Ultimately, there is no single answer as to why Stephen chose to remain unmarried, although it can be speculated that it was due to a combination of external factors and internal conviction. However, what cannot be disputed is the impact Stephen’s decision had on the Christian faith. His uncompromising faith and unwavering devotion to God have inspired thousands since, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
