Acts 7:55-60 (NRSV)
Read Acts 7:55-60 on biblegateway.com
Verse 55But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Verse 56"Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" Verse 57But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Verse 58Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. Verse 59While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Verse 60Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
Devotion
Stephen, the disciple who is “full of grace and power” is killed after he addresses the council of religious leaders. But, it would seem that it was an inside job. The egos of those who could not cope with the wisdom and Spirit from which he spoke were threatened. So they trumped up charges against him and dragged him away to the Sanhedrin. No matter, he preached the truth to the “stiff-necked” regardless. He was in good company with the Preacher who was hung upon a tree.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are opposite sides of the same coin.” Stephen certainly clutched this coin tightly as one who held no fear in the great power of the words of truth he spoke – even though it unleashed the powers of darkness.
Prayer
Faithful God, as we look toward giants of the faith, may we remember Stephen and all like him who eagerly speak words of truth regardless of the cost. May your Spirit be our witness and enter into our spirit. Amen.