Approval

Acts 8:1

Verse 1 brings the conclusion of the Stephen narrative. And Saul approved of his execution. How hard his heart must have been! How self-righteous! But God was just beginning a transforming work on Saul. Soon he too would be part of the Way and be leading others to Jesus Himself. Soon too he would be feeling the rocks. 

Saul went on to ravage the newly-born church reeking havoc wherever he could. He entered multitudinous homes and drug off men and women to prison. He thought he was squelching this new church, but instead, he was causing its growth. Earlier when the religious Jews had brought Peter and other apostles before the council and ordered them to stop preaching, Peter replied, We must obey God rather than man. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." [Acts 5:29-32] Like Saul, these men wanted them dead. They were enraged. In Acts 5:40-42 it says, And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. They they left the presence of hte council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy ot suffer dishonor for the name. Counted worthy to suffer. What kind of an attitude is this? Certainly one that the council couldn't squelch. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. 

Father,

I pray that my faith would never cease and that my love for Jesus would ever wane. keep me strong in Your strength and grace. Help me stand strong and true. 

In Jesus name,

Amen