Stephen In Action
Acts 7:59-8:1 (NIV) 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. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
|
|
Stephen’s message and his life were all under the control of the life of Christ. The Holy Spirit had done a spectacular work in him prior to his ministerial assignments. The Spirit had so cleansed and purified Stephen that even at the moment of martyrdom he was totally transparent. The enemies around him may not have immediately received the message pouring through his life. But, the seeds were planted. Jesus is alive and working through Stephen. Stephen had responded to the call.
|