We have been going through the book of Acts and recently we went through chapters 6 and 7 and the story of Stephen. Stephen was picked to be in charge of food distribution to the widows. He was described however as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He quickly faced opposition from Jews who thought he was going against the Jewish beliefs. Stephen’s speech that proceeds is one of knowledge of the Jews history to show them that he doesn’t disagree with them.
After his speech he ends in saying:
Acts 7:51-53 51“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
As you can imagine, at this point they weren’t happy with him. I mean wouldn’t you be if you had just been scolded and called out on the way you live your life? The response of the people? Stoning. Stephen dies at the hands of an angry crowd.
Simple story enough right? A man standing up for truth, and opposition responding in anger. But there is so much more. There’s a story of love here. I can’t even believe it as I write this but what God revealed to me through this passage is what I feel He has revealed to me over the last few weeks in my life personally.
It’s so great to see how He backs it up by pointing it out to me in His word.
To be continued….
