1, 2, 3... I think there are three imperative things to take from this record of Scripture. Those imperative things lead Stephen to respond as a Follower of Jesus.
“Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60
1- Stephen knew Jesus. It is evident that his heart was soft to even those who were murdering him. He asks the Lord not to charge them with this crime even though they were guilty against the Lord, and guilty of sin. Knowing Jesus gives us a heart of love.
“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”” Acts 7:55-56
2- Stephen knew hope. He knew his physical death was only the beginning of his eternal life. He took refuge and rest in the hope of glory. Even in dire circumstances his focus wasn’t on the trial but the hope of glory. Knowing where our hope lies helps to live in that Hope even in difficult circumstances. Acts 7:2-50 “Israel’s history”
3- Stephen knew the Scriptures. He didn’t dissect each Scripture, but he expounded on the mercy of God that was recorded in the Pentateuch (first 5 book of the Bible) and the prophets. This is where we get our canon today, and Stephen shared from it. Knowing the Scriptures helps us to know Him and share His story of redemption.
1- Truly knowing Jesus.
2- Living in Hope.
3- Be creatures of God’s Word.
May we know Jesus, live in hope, and be creatures of God’s Word.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.