Death of Stephen

4 Lessons from Acts 8:55-60

The Church was growing fast resulting to some internal conflicts related with sharing of food among women. The apostles decided to have some from the flock to be in charge of food rationing. 7 men were chosen to serve this purpose. Among the 7 was Stephen a man full of wisdom and holy spirit.

Stephen went beyond serving tables. He was an eloquent preacher who astounded many with the message of Jesus as lord and saviour. For this purpose he was persecuted and dragged to be stoned to death. At the verge of death, we can learn the following 4 lessons:

A. God use ordinary people for extraordinary message

1 Stephen saw beyond the present. He saw heaven opened

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God(v.55a).

2. Stephen received a standing ovation from Jesus

and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (v.55b).

3. Stephen gave an extraordinary testimony

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”(v.56)

B.. Believers leave life long impact on others

Read V. 57-58

"At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul".

Noted that the ring leader of the killing gang was a man named Saul. Later this man becaame a believer and suffered a lot for faith. I guess in his suffering the video of how the first Christian matter was vivid in him. Probably that why he confessed about his readiness to suffer and even die for Christ.

"Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus".(Acts 21:13 )

C. Believers trust God even in pain

"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (V.59) These are the same words used by Jesus at the verge of death on the cross

“Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.”

And then he breathed his last"(Luke 23:46)

These are words of faith. This is a confession of a being greater into which we can surrender even in ultimately difficult circumstances.

D.. Believers forgive easy

"Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep."(V.60)

Again this mirrors the words of Jesus on the cross:

" Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots"(Luke 23:34)

What a way to finish! Notice that both Jesus and Stephen died light ie with no grudges in their hearts. Both died having forgiven their enemies.