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Stephen was a faithful man of God. He was one of seven men who was appointed for give food to widows in the early church after a dispute arose and the apostles recognized they needed help. He was said to have "God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people".
People who didn't believe in what Stephen said argued against him. But they didn't stand a chance against the wisdom from the Holy Spirit. They were mad enough that they made false accusations that Got him arrested and they produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
When the chief priest asked for Stephen's testimony, he said, "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors 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 given through angels but have not obeyed it."
When people heard this they were greatly offended, 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. That causes them to cover their ears and yell at the top of their lungs. They began to rush at him and drag him out of the city. That was when they began to stone him.
With each rock piercing against Stephan's skin he 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 closed his eyes and woke up in Heaven. Stephen's story always affect me because of his prayer before his death. 243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqmQsBv0yp
His is bleeding and anyone who knows what happens to a person during a stoning would know the amount of pain and anguish he would be experiencing. But instead of cursing them or saying anything, he asks God not to hold this sin against him. Those were his last words before he met God in heaven.
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