Today we are reading Acts 7. In this chapter we read about Stephen giving a powerful testimony about Jesus before the Sanhedrin—the Supreme Court of the Jews. At the end of his message he is put to death. “Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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.” Acts 7:54-60 ESV Notice how similar Stephen’s death is to Jesus’ death. How is Stephen able to remain compassionate during this terrible suffering? How can you be like Stephen (and Jesus) when you are suffering? Why is this such a great opportunity to share your faith? May God enable you to patiently endure suffering so that your faith may be evident to all. Pastor Tim
