Today we are reading Acts 7. In this chapter we read about the martyrdom of Stephen. “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 Stephen was the first Christian martyr. How do you think his death impacted the early church? Imagine if one of our staff was killed for their bold witness. How would you react? Would you be inspired? Would you be afraid? Would you hide your faith? What similarities do you see between the death of Stephen and the death of Jesus? How do you think you would face death? May God be glorified in all you do. Pastor Tim
