The first recorded martyrdom was that of Stephen. Charges were brought against Stephen by Jews who were not from Jerusalem.  They stirred up the Jerusalem Jews; the people and the elders and teachers of the law.  Then those people brought Stephen before the Sanhedrin on charges of speaking blasphemy against Moses and God.

When he appeared before the Sanhedrin Stephen’s face “was like the face of an angel.” How exactly does an angel look?  Could Stephen's face have looked the same as Moses' face when he descended from the mountain after being near the presence of God, the Father?

When Stephen gave his defense he gave a summary of Abraham through the death of Jesus. By his words, he refuted the charges that he spoke blasphemy against Moses by recounting the importance of Moses. Stephen 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???

Stephen also related that the bodies of all the sons of Jacob were returned to Israel. Are these some of the bodies who were resurrected after Jesus' resurrection?

Nothing Stephen said during his defense was worthy of the charges leveled against him...until he accused the Sanhedrin of murdering Jesus and disobeying the law.  At this they became furious and gnashed their teeth.  At this moment, Stephen “looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God", as he was being stoned to death.

What a tribute to Stephen! Jesus STOOD to receive him into the “great cloud of witnesses”, the martyrs. (Hebrews 12:1)  See also Revelation 6:9-11.