Death of Stephen
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of God’s glory was given him, and angels hovered around him. He
cried out, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God. The people would not hear him.
They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon
him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And
Stephen kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this
sin to their charge.
I saw that Stephen was a mighty man of God, especially raised
up to fill an important place in the church. Satan exulted as he was
stoned to death; for he knew that the disciples would greatly feel his
loss. But Satan’s triumph was short; for there was one standing in
that company, witnessing the death of Stephen, to whom Jesus was
to reveal himself. Although he took no part in casting the stones at
Stephen yet he consented to his death. Saul was zealous in persecuting
the church of God, hunting them, seizing them in their houses, and
delivering them to those who would slay them. Satan was using Saul
effectually. But God can break the Devil’s power, and set free those
who are led captive by him. Saul was a learned man, and Satan was
triumphantly employing his talents to help carry out his rebellion
against the Son of God, and those who believed in him. But Jesus
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selected Saul as a chosen vessel to preach his name, to strengthen the
disciples in their work, and more than fill the place of Stephen. Saul
was greatly esteemed by the Jews. His zeal and his learning pleased
them, and terrified many of the disciples.
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