Meditations for Muslims: The Preaching and Death of Stephen

Stephen was one of seven chosen by the believers and appointed by the apostles for special service.

Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them…Acts 6:3 (NIV)

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Acts 6:5 (NIV)

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Acts 6:8 (NIV)

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15 (NIV)

You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 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.” Acts 7:51-56 (NIV)

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)

He is the first one killed for preaching Jesus, who He is and His death and resurrection.

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