The Stoning of Stephan

Monday, May 12

Scripture

While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)

Reflection

Stephen had a good role model: Jesus himself. As Jesus hung dying, he uttered, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Jesus was quoting Psalm 31 (see Tuesday’s reflection).

Stephen is known as the first Christian martyr, the first to be killed for his profession of faith in Jesus as Messiah. He was appointed one of the first deacons, “seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3), who were chosen for the daily distribution of food to the followers of Jesus, who were sharing all things in common (Acts 2:44).

Before he was stoned to death, he had seen a vision of the glory of God: “Look . . . I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:56).

Would that we could all experience such a vision of glory! May we all come to our end with the words of Stephen, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for the witness of Stephen and his example of steadfast faith in the face of extreme hostility, even unto death. Give to us that same steadfast faith and that same vision of glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.