Topical Encyclopedia Stephen, one of the early deacons of the Christian church, is a profound example of a gentle and forgiving spirit, as depicted in the New Testament. His life and martyrdom are recorded in the Book of Acts, where he is portrayed as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). Stephen's character and actions provide a model of Christ-like forgiveness and grace under persecution.Stephen's gentleness is evident in his approach to ministry. Chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the early church, Stephen was tasked with ensuring fair distribution of food and resources, particularly to the widows (Acts 6:1-6). This role required a spirit of compassion and fairness, qualities that Stephen evidently possessed. His selection for this role underscores his reputation as a man of good character and wisdom. His forgiving spirit is most powerfully demonstrated during his trial and subsequent martyrdom. Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin on false charges of blasphemy (Acts 6:11-14). Despite the gravity of the accusations and the hostility of the crowd, Stephen remained composed and delivered a powerful speech recounting Israel's history and pointing to Jesus as the Righteous One (Acts 7:2-53). His speech was not only a defense but also a call to repentance, reflecting his desire for his accusers to come to the truth. The climax of Stephen's forgiving nature is seen in his final moments. As he was being stoned, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56). His vision affirmed his faith and provided him with the strength to endure the persecution. In a Christ-like manner, Stephen's last words were a prayer of forgiveness for his executioners: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). This plea echoes Jesus' own words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Stephen's gentle and forgiving spirit serves as an enduring testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. His ability to forgive those who wronged him, even unto death, exemplifies the teachings of Jesus on loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Stephen's life and martyrdom continue to inspire Christians to embody a spirit of forgiveness and grace, even in the face of adversity. Nave's Topical Index Acts 7:59,60And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Nave's Topical Index Library Assurance of Salvation. Power Hindered. On the Death of his Father. The Form of Concord. AD 1577. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... The Evangelical Revival. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... part i Resources Who was Stephen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgThe stoning of Stephen - Why were the Jews allowed to stone Stephen but had to go through Pilate to kill Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Christian martyrdom - what does the Bible say? Should Christians desire to become martyrs? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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