Basic HTML Version
Death of Stephen
195
he addressed had committed a greater sin in rejecting and crucifying
Christ. “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?
and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the
Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.”
As these plain, cutting truths were spoken, the priests and rulers
were enraged, and they rushed upon Stephen, gnashing their teeth.
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into
heaven, and saw the glory of God,” and said, “Behold, I see the
heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of
[199]
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 he knelt 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 in his death;
for he knew that the disciples would greatly feel his loss. But Satan’s
triumph was short; for in that company, witnessing the death of
Stephen, there was one to whom Jesus was to reveal Himself. Saul
took no part in casting the stones at Stephen, yet he consented to his
death. He was zealous in persecuting the church of God, hunting
them, seizing them in their houses, and delivering them to those
who would slay them. Saul was a man of ability and education; his
zeal and learning caused him to be highly esteemed by the Jews,
while he was feared by many of the disciples of Christ. His talents
were effectively employed by Satan in carrying forward his rebellion
against the Son of God, and those who believed in Him. But God
can break the power of the great adversary and set free those who
are led captive by him. Christ had selected Saul as a “chosen vessel”
to preach His name, to strengthen His disciples in their work, and to
more than fill the place of Stephen.
[200]