Stephen in the book of Acts was the first Christian martyr. He lived a life filled with meaning and purpose. He knew his mission and willingly lived it. His faith took over his life and his life was taken because of it. In speaking the truth about his faith he angered those who were not in agreement.
The men who argued with Stephen were left speechless because of the great wisdom given to him by the Holy Spirit. He was falsely accused by the opposition and they stoned him to death. He suffered a painful death. There was a high cost for his faith.
The greatest gift or blessing a person can be given is in knowing God. In Acts 7:56 just before Stephen was stoned to death He said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” His life gave witness to the fact that he recognized Jesus was the son of God and he was not afraid to share it. His eternal joy with Christ can not compare with any reward he may have received here.
Stephen’s life had a profound impact on the Apostle Paul. Before Paul’s conversion from Saul he was at the stoning of Stephen. The Apostle Paul is one of the important figures in the formation of Christianity.
Stephen’s life had a lasting effect on the world. He was a light to the lost. Two thousand years later we are speaking about him.
Is Charlie Kirk a modern day Stephen? You decide.
Acts 7:56-60 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.
