Stephen, Stoned Martyr – Uncommon Church Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG
- Rocky Santangela
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Strength Through Suffering
Stephen, Stoned Martyr is a 2-cost Church Man card with 1 Strength and 2 Hope, and a Prophecy ability that activates upon creation: deal 1 damage to another target Being and give it +2 Strength. This hybrid effect offers both board control and stat enhancement, making it one of the more tactically versatile early-game support cards in Bible TCG.
The Witness Who Saw the Glory
Stephen stood before the council with a face like an angel, full of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming the story of Israel and pointing to the fulfillment in Jesus. He traced the covenant from Abraham, through Moses, to David, showing that every prophet and promise pointed to the Righteous One. His words burned with truth, yet they were drenched in mercy, inviting even his accusers to turn and believe. Stephen’s vision was opened, and he saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, ready to come back immediately.
But, bound to their traditions, the leaders refused the voice of grace. Just as their fathers resisted Moses, they resisted the Spirit. Yet Stephen’s ministry was not in vain. His testimony was like a seed, planted in the heart of a young man named Saul. The council may have covered their ears, but heaven recorded every word. In that moment, Stephen became the first martyr among the sealed believers.
This card's verse is Acts 7:59:
"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
The stones fell, but they could not silence the gospel. Each stone was met with the echo of Stephen’s prayer, asking the Lord to forgive them. This was the same Spirit who filled Jesus on the cross, the same love that turns enemies into brothers. The kingdom advanced, even in blood, because death has no victory over the risen Christ.
From Martyrdom to Multiplication
Stephen’s death marked a turning point. The church scattered, carrying the gospel beyond Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. The very one who watched the coats that day, Saul, would soon be confronted by the risen Jesus and transformed into Paul, the apostle of grace to the gentiles. The voice they tried to silence became a chorus through the saints.
This pattern was already written in the Scriptures. Israel in the wilderness could not enter the promised land, but their children did. The leaders of Stephen’s day would not see the kingdom, but through their rejection, the door opened wide for the Gentiles. Just as Joseph’s brothers meant evil against him, yet God meant it for good, Stephen’s stoning became a spark for global revival. The blood of the righteous still cries out, not for vengeance, but for redemption.
Believer, we stand in the same Spirit that filled Stephen. The same boldness, the same vision, the same unshakable hope lives in us. We are testifying of the risen Christ, carrying the message of grace beyond walls and borders. No opposition can quench this fire, no rejection can erase this truth. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and our destiny is secured in His victory.
Strategic Use In Gameplay
This card plays an interesting double-role, serving as both a damage trigger and a buff enabler. You can use the 1 damage ping to activate Patience, remove a weakened enemy, or light up a friendly Being for stronger trades. The +2 Strength bonus allows that same target to become a powerhouse that can pressure or defend more effectively.
Synergies and Plays:
Patience Trigger: Activates Beings that have Patience or other synergy cards that benefit from receiving damage.
Potential Removal: Pinging 1 damage can finish off fragile or wounded enemy Beings, cleaning up the board early.
Buff Friendly Being: Great synergy in midrange decks where one strong Being can carry a turn after being enhanced.
Stephen, Stoned Martyr – Uncommon Church Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I target an enemy Being to deal damage?
A: Yes, but be careful, the +2 Strength also applies. Use wisely depending on the game state.
Q: Does Stephen’s ability target himself?
A: No. You must select another Being, which can be either friendly or enemy.
Q: Is this a good early-game play?
A: Absolutely. For just 2 Faith, you get a presence on the board and a meaningful stat shift or removal opportunity. It opens up tempo and combo options in a wide range of decks.
Stephen, Stoned Martyr – Uncommon Church Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG
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