Stephen

Acts 7:60

And falling to his knees he  cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

Stephen was a man full of grace and power and doing great wonders and signs among the people. But as it always is, some who listened disputed with him. Knowing that they could not withstand his wisdom and Spirit, they secretly plotted against him accusing him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. Stirring up the people, elders, and scribes, they seized Stephen and brought him before the council. With false witnesses to back up their accusations, they made their case. Amazingly, as all in the council looked at him during these accusations, they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. I wonder if that didn't enrage the people even more. It was as if they had lost all power over Stephen. They could not destroy his peace in God.

 

The high priest asked simply if these things were so. Stephen answered by giving a history of God's workings with Israel, the bad and the good. Throughout the historical journey, he pointed out their jealousy, disobedience, penchant for false gods, and finally ended with David and Solomon who built an earthly dwelling for God. Yet the most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophets says, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not I make all these things? At this point he transitioned to some heavy words. You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As you fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced before hand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it. Talk about starting a fire! Those that heard these words were enraged and ground their teeth at him! Stephen had hit the nail on the head and had exposed the evil heart of those listening.

 

But Stephen was unafraid! Being full of the Holy Ghost, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. How glorious is that! When he relayed those events to the people, they screamed and rushed at him. Casting him out of the city, they stoned him. The witnesses laid their garments at the feet of Saul. Interesting that Saul would get a foretaste of what was to follow in his life! As the stones were flying at Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had finished, he slept. After seeing all this, Saul gave his approval to their actions, a fact which would be hard to forget!

 

What an example of trust! He was unafraid to speak the words of God even in the face of death. Still, when they came at him unjustly, he prayed for their souls. How like Jesus whom he saw in heaven! When persecution comes my way, how will I stand? Am I unafraid to speak the words of truth?

 

Father,

As I read this account, I can't relate to Stephen's relationship with Jesus. He truly meant more to him than life itself. Open my eyes and ears to hear Your words and have them drastically change my life. Give me boldness to speak Your words.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen