STEPHEN, THE FIRST TO DIE FOR JESUS

When the priests and rulers heard Stephen accuse them, they could not control themselves. The priests and rulers acted the same as wild animals. They rushed upon Stephen, grinding their teeth. Stephen showed no fear. The anger of the priests and people did not frighten Stephen. Stephen had expected this kind of persecution. His face was calm and shone with the light of angels.SRme 1.1207

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw God's glory and Jesus standing at the right side of God.SRme 1.1208

"'Look!' he said. 'I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!'" (Acts 7:55, 56).SRme 1.1209

Stephen no longer saw what was happening around him. The gates of heaven were open, and, looking in, Stephen saw the glory of God. Stephen saw Jesus, as if He [Jesus] had just gotten up from His throne. Jesus was standing, ready to strengthen Stephen who was to die for Jesus' name.SRme 1.1210

Stephen described the glorious sight he saw, but Stephen's persecutors would not listen. They covered their ears. Again Stephen's persecutors rushed at him with shouts and loud cries. The large group of people dragged Stephen out of the city and began to stone him.SRme 1.1211

The witnesses who had accused Stephen were required to throw the first stones. These persons took off their coats and threw them down at the feet of Saul. Saul had strongly urged that Stephen be killed. During the terrible pain of this cruel death, Stephen prayed for his murderers. Jesus and Stephen both prayed for the men who murdered them.SRme 1.1212

The people who watched Stephen die would never forget the experience. The sign of God upon Stephen's face and his beautiful words touched their hearts. Stephen's words remained in their memories. His words were a witness of the truth that Stephen had taught. Only the people who had continually resisted the truth were too hardened to be touched by Stephen's death.SRme 1.1213

Stephen had not been condemned to death by the Roman authorities. The Romans did not try to find out why Stephen had been killed. The authorities were paid a lot of money to keep silent and forget what happened.SRme 1.1214

The death of Stephen was a difficult trial for the believers. Stephen's death also changed Saul's life. Saul could never forget the faith and love shown by Stephen, nor the glory that rested on Stephen's face. Saul had been angry and excited during Stephen's trial and death. Later Saul was upset because he felt that while Stephen was being hated by men, God was showing that He loved Stephen.SRme 1.1215

Saul continued to persecute the church of God. Saul searched for the believers. Saul arrested some of the believers in their homes. Then Saul delivered them to the priests and rulers to be put in prison and killed. Saul's persecution terrified the believers in Jerusalem. The Roman authorities made no special effort to stop the terrible work. The Romans secretly helped the Jews to gain their favor.SRme 1.1216

Saul was honored among the Jews because of his education. Saul also was honored for his eagerness in persecuting the believers. After Saul's part in Stephen's death, Saul was honored by being chosen as a member of the Sanhedrin council.SRme 1.1217

The educated Saul was a strong influence in the hands of Satan to do Satan's rebellion against Jesus. But God is always stronger than Satan. God chose Saul to take the place of Stephen and to work and suffer for the name of Jesus.SRme 1.1218