Stephen's Stoning (Nov 14)

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
                                Acts 7:55 NIV

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.
                                Acts 8:1a NIV

The stoning of Stephen was an event ordered by the Sanhedrin after Stephen gave his address to them.  We read that his face was like the face of an angel, he was full of God's grace and power, and he prayed while he was being stoned; "Lord Jesus receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

One might wonder if Stephen even felt the stones being thrown at him as he focused on God, on Christ, on the heavens being opened up to his eyes.  For we read he fell asleep after his two requests to the Lord.

Contrast the Spirit's gifts of peace, serenity, calm to Stephen with the Sanhedrin's anger as manifested by their gnashing of teeth, and by their being furious.  Have you ever felt the Spirit's gifts to you in a time of trial?

This event was a pivotal event in the early church, for the early believers (not yet coined Christians) were filled with fear for their life and left Jerusalem, taking with them the Gospel message.

Another item to note in today's reading is that Saul was there at Stephen's stoning, giving approval to Stephen's death.  Yes, this is the Saul who hunted down and killed Christians, was blinded on the road to Damascus, and who subsequently became the apostle Paul. 


Have you ever been called to a duty for Christ?  What would you say in response to a call?

Where have you taken the gospel message?

Pray to keep your eyes open for service opportunities.

In Christ,


David P