ACTS of the Apostles

Tuesday, May 10

ACTS of the Apostles

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 7:54-60

Focus Verse: Acts 7:58

“Then they cast him (Stephen) out and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.”

Today, we keep our focus on Stephen, the faithful believer and bold servant who was full of grace and power. As we read yesterday, Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the message of Jesus Christ and how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament. After Stephen’s speech, the crowd, full of rage because of his boldness and accusing words, put him to death by stoning him.

In the midst of the chaos, Stephen, “full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (v. 55). He then spoke similar words as Christ on the cross, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (v. 60). Just to reiterate….Stephen was asking God to forgive the very people who were killing him. He was being faithful in life and death!

Stephen’s message, prayer and glorious death were used by the spirit to impact the lives of many. It also prepared Saul for his relationship with the Lord . This was the beginning of God’s big plans for Saul and others! It was all because of someone who lived like Christ, spoke like Christ, and died like Christ. We might not be called to be a martyr, but we can mimic Stephen in his faithfulness, boldness, forgiveness and love for Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We want to always keep our eyes on you and act and speak just as you direct…to the very end. Let your Good News change our lives everyday so that we are bold in our faith and actions for you. Change our fears and into the hope of glory for all who follow you. Amen