"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.  But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'  But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse.  when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  They went on stoning Stephen as he called on Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!'  Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!'  Having said this, he fell asleep."

This event in church history brought about revival!

Once the stoning of Stephen took place, the church began to go into all of the world teaching about Jesus.  Perhaps it was because of fear - fear that they too would be stoned for their beliefs.  Maybe it was out of a desire to continue Stephen's legacy. 

For whatever reason, when the church saw a man speaking with Jesus, and then echo the words of Jesus (Father, forgive them...) they began to move.

What would provoke you to the service God has called you toward? 

Stephen was a good man - one sold out for the gospel message.  It was that simple faith that led him to his death and, at the same time, the birth of a church.