Stephen was martyred by being stoned to death because he angered the Jewish legislative council in Jerusalem. In his sermon (see Acts of the Apostles 7:2-56 ) he condemned them for having murdered the Messiah.
Stephen was one of the first seven deacons appointed by the Apostles. He is usually depicted as a youth wearing a deacon's robes, and accompanied by the stones which are his attribute because of the nature of his martyrdom.