In the gospel of John, Jesus says to the disciples: If the world hates you, know that it hated me first. If I belonged to the world, the world would love what is its own; but because you are not of the world and I have chosen you from the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I said to you: "No slave is greater than his master." If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too. If they kept my word, they will keep yours too. (John 15:18-20) The apostles face the persecution that Jesus warns of when the Sadducees confront them in the temple for teaching the resurrection (Acts 4:1-4), when the Sanhedrin calls for a public trial against the apostles (Acts 5:17), and, more courageously, Stephen, who is martyred for his preaching (Acts 6:8-8). Stephen's martyrdom, like that of Jesus, concerns his teachings, and is similarly testified against him. Angered by his words, they bear false witness against him, saying: "We heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." They [the members of the synagogue] incited the people, the elders and the scribes, approached him, grabbed him and led him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who declared, “This man does not cease to say things against [this] holy place and against the law” (Acts 6:11-14). When Jesus is brought before Pontius, the people bear false witness against him that he is teaching blasphemy, claiming to be God. Ultimately, Stephen is martyred because he angers the Sanhedrin. Giving up his life for his faith in Jesus Christ is perhaps the best way Stephen could go out into the world since Jesus was sent by his