The first recorded martyrdom was that of Stephen. When he appeared before the Sanhedrin Stephen’s face “was like the face of an angel.” What does an angel look like?

When he gave his defense he gave a summary of Abraham through the death of Jesus. He obviously was well taught in the scrolls and scripture or he had been supernaturally empowered with knowledge and understanding. Look at what he said about educated Moses. Yet what excuse did Moses give God at the burning bush? Didn't Moses offer up the excuse that he didn't speak very well???

When Stephen was stoned, he “looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
What a tribute to Stephen! Jesus STOOD to receive him into the “great cloud of witnesses”, the martyrs.