Stephen was one of the seven chosen to serve the widows, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Soon he was preaching with such wisdom that his opponents could not answer him. They dragged him before the council, and he gave a long sermon tracing Israel’s history. When he finished, his listeners were furious. Stephen became the first Christian martyr. His story is hard, but it is full of glory. It shows how a believer can face the worst with heaven in view, and how God brings fruit out of loss.
Eyes on the Standing Savior
The council members were cut to the heart and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth. But Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. In other places Scripture says Jesus is seated at the Father’s right hand. Here He stands, as if rising to welcome His faithful servant home. While the room filled with hatred, Stephen’s eyes were fixed above. We are told to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and to set our affection on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). Where we look shapes how we respond. Jesus once told a suffering church to be faithful unto death, and He would give them a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
When anger or fear rises in you this week, what verse about Jesus will you speak to yourself to lift your eyes back to Him?
Dying Like His Master
The crowd stopped their ears, rushed at Stephen, dragged him out of the city and stoned him. As the stones fell, Stephen prayed two short prayers. First, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Second, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. These prayers echo the words of Jesus on the cross, who forgave His enemies (Luke 23:34) and committed His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46). Stephen had learned more than doctrine from Jesus. He had learned His heart. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Then Luke says Stephen fell asleep. For a believer, death is not the end. It is like sleep before a glorious morning, because God will bring with Jesus those who sleep in Him (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
Who has hurt you that you find hard to forgive, and what specific words will you pray for them by name this week?
Scattered Seed
A young man named Saul watched over the coats of those who stoned Stephen, and he consented to his death. That same day a great persecution broke out, and the believers were scattered through Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and wept for him. Saul began to tear the church apart, dragging men and women to prison. It looked like defeat. Yet Luke ends with a surprise: those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Jesus had told them to go to Judea and Samaria, and now persecution pushed them there. What enemies meant for evil, God meant for good (Genesis 50:20). Paul later said his own chains helped the gospel spread (Philippians 1:12). God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
What hard change or move in your life could God be using to scatter gospel seed, and who in that new place will you reach out to?
Conclusion
Stephen lived full of the Spirit and died full of grace. He saw Jesus standing in glory, forgave his killers as his Master did, and fell asleep in peace. His death did not stop the gospel. It sent believers out to preach everywhere, and it planted a seed in the heart of Saul. Jesus is worthy of our whole lives. Most of us will not face stones, but we can all choose to be faithful unto death, keeping our eyes on Him and our hearts free of bitterness.
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