94 The Stoning of Stephen [Acts 6:8—7:1; 7:54–60]

The Bible passage: [Acts 6:8—7:1; 7:54–60]

The Story:

Stephen, a man full of grace and power, was performing great miracles among the people.

Some from what is called the Freedmen’s Synagogue came and argued with Stephen.

They were unable to stand up against the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke.

They convinced men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemy against Moses and God!”

They stirred up the people, so they dragged him off, and took him to the Sanhedrin, the religious judicial council.

They brought false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemy against this holy place and the law. For we heard him say that Jesus will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

When they heard these things, they were enraged.

But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, stared into heaven. He saw God’s glory, and he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

At this, they screamed at the top of their voices, covering their ears, and rushed together against him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Those stoning him laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they were stoning Stephen he called out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” 

And saying this, he fell asleep.

The Lessons:

• God can do extraordinary things through those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. In Stephen’s case, he was full of grace and power, performed miracles, spoke boldly, and was filled with wisdom.
• Grace to endure suffering comes when we need it, not before.
• Martyrdom is tragic, but it is a victory for Christ.
• Just like Jesus did in 84 Jesus is Crucified, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were killing him. 
• We are told that Stephen fell asleep. This is a Biblical euphemism for death, but it is followed by eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.

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Next: 95 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch [Acts 8:26-40]

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