The main thrust of Stephen’s message is that Israel always resisted the truth and rejected the deliverers God sent to them. They opposed Moses and repeatedly wanted to return to Egypt. They opposed Joseph, and he later became their redeemer! They rejected the many prophets God sent to warn them and call them back to His way. Finally, they rejected their own Messiah and crucified Him.

Israel’s history reveals the patience of God and the hardness of man’s heart. But it also reveals a ray of hope: Israel rejected their deliverers the first time but accepted them the second time. That was true of Moses and Joseph, and it will be true of Jesus when He returns (Zechariah 12:10).

Stephen’s death was the third murder in Israel’s history and a turning point in God’s dealings with the nation. They had rejected the Father when they allowed John the Baptist to be slain; they had rejected the Son when they asked for Jesus to be crucified; and now they had rejected the Holy Spirit. There could be no more forgiveness (Matthew 12:31-32). The line had been crossed, and the gospel moved out to Judea and Samaria.

Posted by brother Narayan

Acts 7:59-60

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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.

Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Men began to argue with him and there was lot of opposition.

They were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.

They stoned him to death and while they were stoning he prayed to God to not charge those men with sin. God heard Stephen’s prayer and Paul is the evidence of it.

Stephen exhibited the same forgiving attitude that Jesus had on the cross. He asked God to forgive his accusers, and he made the promises loudly and publicly.

Stephen had complete trust in God and believed that God would take care of him in the life to come.

The Scripture says Stephen fell asleep instead of saying that he died because Stephen woke up in a much better world.

Let us preach the Gospel boldly and publicly like Stephen and endure the persecution that is sure to follow.

Licy John, Hyderabad – 7067