As Christians, we should strive to follow Stephen’s example by teaching God’s Word from the beginning to the end of this worldly life.
Even in death, Stephen was teaching!
“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 7:58–60)
Note verse 59: “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”
Here, Stephen’s words exemplify what faith, trust, and commitment entail. He did not keep these words only in his heart; he loudly called them out. Stephen did not beg them to stop or try to take back his words. Instead, he demonstrated his belief in and trust in God by his example. With a loud voice, Stephen teaches them and us as he identifies their action as sin.
Saul (later Paul) was present for all of this (verse 58). Whether the men stoning Stephen recognized it in the moment or only later, their actions were not justice but sin. Among his last words, Stephen called them out on this. Certainly this did not escape Paul as he later grew in understanding.
In his death, Stephen also teaches forgiveness. In verse 60, he asks God not to hold this sin against them. This teaches us that Stephen did not leave this world with a grudge or hating those who were taking his life. Rather, he left demonstrating compassion for their ignorance and love for the souls of his murderers, appealing to God for their forgiveness of this sin.
It is reasonable to imagine how Paul may have reflected on these memories later in life. How they may have burned in his heart, knowing he could not change what he had been part of, yet these memories likely became fuel that drove him to teach and share Jesus no matter what the worldly consequences might be.
Paul later stated: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15–17)
Stephen teaches us that the message does not stop when life is threatened. We are called to speak the truth and extend forgiveness even when it costs us. May we follow his example by teaching God’s Word from the beginning to the end of this worldly life.
For reference: Acts 7:58–60; 1 Timothy 1:15–17; Colossians 3:13; 1 John 2:15–17; Hebrews 13:14–16; Matthew 6:21; Mark 16:15; Luke 23:34, 46; Acts 8:1; Philippians 1:21; Romans 12:14, 21; 2 Timothy 4:7–8.
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