Acts 7:54-60 (NLT)
The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!"
Then they put their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, they rushed at him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. The official witnesses took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And as they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And he fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
Stephen saw the glory of God, and Jesus the Messiah standing at God’s right hand. Stephen’s words are similar to Jesus’ words spoken before the council (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). Stephen’s vision supported Jesus’ claim and angered the Jewish leaders who had condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy. They would not tolerate Stephen’s words, so they dragged him out and killed him. People may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they will let us know they don’t want to hear the truth and will often try to silence us. Keep honoring God in your conduct and words; though many may turn against you and your message, some will follow Christ. Remember, Stephen’s death made a profound impact on Paul, who later became the world’s greatest missionary. Even those who oppose you now may later turn to Christ.
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