Small Study in Acts
If I’ve learned anything from reading Acts, it’s this; NOTHING stopped the disciples from prayer and preaching the Gospel. When Peter and John were arrested and thrown in prison, they counted it as joy to suffer for Christ (4:3). It motivated them even more to pray and preach. Being filled with the Holy Ghost gives us boldness and power in the face of our enemies (4:13). Persecution brings us closer to Jesus. (4:23-31)
The men (12 disciples) said to the greater multitude; choose 7 men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom to continue this business (6:3). Stephen was one of those men chosen (6:5). Stephen was full of power and did signs/wonders in Jerusalem (6:8) yet was falsely accused of blasphemy. In the face of those who hated him, he boldly proclaimed scripture regarding Israel resisting God and killing the Just One (Jesus) (7:51-52). Being completely innocent, he was stoned to death. As he was killed, he prayed. He looked up… saw Jesus at the right hand of God (7:56)… and prayed “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (7:59) In the face of those who hated him, his last words were “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (7:60)
What I Learned
I want my life to be a house of prayer, dedicated to preaching the Gospel… even if death is looking me in the face.
I must preach full Gospel truth in love. Scripture does the convicting. (Stephen simply repeated early scripture, the words convicted hearts.)
In light of death, I pray for love and forgiveness as Stephen showed Saul and the men that killed him. Very similar to Jesus! “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
