What can we learn from Stephen's example of forgiveness in Acts 7:59? Backdrop to Acts 7:59 Stephen, the first recorded martyr of the church, has just delivered a Spirit-inspired defense before the Sanhedrin. The crowd drags him outside the city and hurls stones. In the very moment of death, Scripture records: “While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed: ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ ” (Acts 7:59). The next verse adds, “Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ ” (Acts 7:60). What Stephen Shows Us about Forgiveness • Forgiveness flows from surrender. Entrusting his spirit to Christ (v. 59) sets the stage for pardoning his killers (v. 60). A heart yielded to Jesus naturally releases others. • Forgiveness is offered before apology. The mob never repents, yet Stephen releases them. Genuine grace is proactive (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). • Forgiveness coexists with suffering. Pain does not cancel the call to forgive; it provides the platform (Romans 12:17-21). • Forgiveness is verbal. Stephen speaks it aloud, turning private mercy into public witness (Matthew 5:16). • Forgiveness mirrors Christ. “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34) and “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46) appear again on Stephen’s lips, showing that the disciple reflects the Master (1 Peter 2:23). How the Holy Spirit Enables Such Grace • Filled before the council: “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven” (Acts 7:55). The Spirit empowers supernatural love (Galatians 5:22). • Vision of Jesus standing: Assurance of Christ’s approval dwarfs the offense of men. • Boldness and peace: The same Spirit who gave Stephen courage supplies forgiveness’s strength (2 Timothy 1:7). Practical Takeaways for Today • Keep eternity in view. When life is surrendered to Christ, offenses shrink. • Speak blessing, not retaliation. Verbal grace shapes the atmosphere in families, churches, and workplaces. • Pray for offenders. Interceding softens our hearts and invites God’s work in theirs. • Let Scripture renew the mind. Meditate on passages like Matthew 5:44—“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. • Trust divine justice. Releasing vengeance to God frees us to love (Romans 12:19). A Testimony That Still Speaks The forgiven persecutor Saul stood nearby (Acts 7:58). Stephen’s final words echoed in Saul’s memory until the risen Christ met him on the Damascus road. Our forgiveness today can become the seed of someone else’s salvation tomorrow. |
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