Reading Acts 7 Stephens Martyrdom

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! (Acts 7:55-56 NKJV)

The word of God spread and the number of the disciples multiplied. There was the need to attend to the Hellenists complaints of their widows been neglected. The apostles needed to give themselves to the word and prayer. They arrange for deacons to be nominated. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to oversee the needs of the widows.

Stephens devotion. He was a man of devotion to God, of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3-5). He was full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people (:8-10).

Stephens defence. He spoke with such wisdom that the Jews in the Synagogue could not resist him. They stirred up the people and accused him of speaking blasphemous words before the council. He spoke concerning their forefathers from time Abraham to Solomon and confronted them of their same sin. They were convicted and gnashed their teeth, cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears and cast him out of the city and stone him.

Stephens destiny. He gazed into heaven while been stoned.. His focus was upon God. He saw the glory of God, He caught the vision. It was revealed in such tangible way he could describe it. He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! Next, he could describe what he saw. He was ready to be called home to glory. Even to pray not to lay the sin on their charge. That's the response of ones life when full of the Holy Spirit control.

Prayer: Lord, You are the Resurrection and You live to make intercession on my behalf. I know no fear of failure, disappointments even death or any situation for You will show me Your glory.

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