Acts 7 recounts the powerful sermon by Stephen, one of the seven men appointed to oversee the distribution of resources to widows in the early Christian community. In his speech, Stephen bravely calls out the religious leaders of his time for their rejection of God's prophets and, ultimately, their role in the death of Jesus. The speech infuriated the audience, and Stephen was stoned to death becoming the first Christian martyr. This event marked a turning point for the fledgling Christian faith as it ignited a wave of persecution against Christians in Jerusalem. Despite this, Christianity continued to spread throughout the world with the help of dedicated apostles and followers.