Meditations for Muslims: The Stoning of Stephen

The first martyr we know of was Stephen, one of the first appointed deacons in the fast expanding church. He was described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, “and” full of God’s grace and power.” He was called up to the senior religious court to answer false charges against him. You can find his answers in the seventh chapter of the book of Acts.

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to Heaven and saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

As a result of this vision he was taken out of the city and stoned to death.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59, 60 (NIV)

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