Many wonder if the Holy Innocents, killed by Herod in pursuit of Jesus (Matthew 2:16-18), should be called the first martyrs instead of St. Stephen, the Church’s traditional “Protomartyr” (Acts 7:54-60). Let’s explore this question....
The Holy Innocents were the young boys under two years old in Bethlehem, killed by King Herod in his attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus, as recounted in Matthew 2:16-18.
St. Stephen was a deacon in the early Church, stoned to death for preaching Christ (Acts 7:54-60). He’s traditionally called the “Protomartyr” as the first Christian martyr after Jesus’ resurrection.
They’re considered martyrs because they died for Christ, even unknowingly. Their deaths were a direct result of Herod’s fear of the Messiah, linking them to Jesus’ mission. Early Church Fathers like St. Augustine saw their sacrifice as a prefiguring of Christ’s own Passion, emphasizing their innocence as a powerful witness to God’s plan.
Stephen’s martyrdom came after Christ’s resurrection and was a conscious witness to the faith. He died proclaiming Jesus, making him the first recorded martyr of the Christian era (Acts 6-7). His death also marked a turning point, scattering the early Christians and spreading the Gospel, as noted in Acts 8:1-4.
Yes, chronologically, the Holy Innocents died during Jesus’ infancy, decades before Stephen’s martyrdom around 34-36 AD. Their deaths predate the Church’s founding.
A martyr bears witness to Christ, often by death (CCC 2473). Stephen chose this witness actively, while the Innocents suffered passively, earning them the title “martyrs in fact.”
The Church emphasizes Stephen’s active witness post-resurrection, marking the start of Christian martyrdom. The Innocents’ deaths, though earlier, occurred before Christ’s saving work was complete. This distinction highlights the Church’s focus on martyrdom as a deliberate act of faith, a tradition solidified by Stephen’s example and the subsequent growth of the early Church.
Their feast is December 28, within the Christmas octave, celebrating their innocent sacrifice as a prelude to Christ’s redemption (CCC 1173).
Yes! The Innocents were the first to die for Christ chronologically, while Stephen was the first to witness actively as a Christian. Both are unique in salvation history. Their distinct roles complement each other, showing how God’s grace works through both the helpless and the bold in building His kingdom.
Check the Catechism (CCC 2473), Scripture (Matthew 2, Acts 7), or writings like St. Augustine’s sermons on the Holy Innocents for deeper insight.
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