What does Stephen's reaction teach about maintaining peace under persecution? Tempest of Hostility “were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him.” (Acts 7:54) Stephen’s Quiet Heart • Spirit-filled (v55) – hostility outside, the Spirit’s calm inside • Eyes upward – he looks into heaven, not at the mob • Christ-centered – sees Jesus “standing” ready to receive him • Words of grace – declares truth, then asks forgiveness for his killers (v60) • Total surrender – entrusts his spirit to the Lord (v59) What Peace Under Fire Looks Like • Peace is a Person: union with Christ anchors the soul, whatever the crowd does • Peace is Spirit-given, not self-manufactured (Galatians 5:22) • Peace focuses upward, not outward (Colossians 3:1-2) • Peace speaks truth but leaves vindication to God (Romans 12:19) • Peace prays for enemies, turning hostility into intercession (Matthew 5:44) Scriptures that Echo the Lesson John 14:27 – Jesus bequeaths His own peace Isa 26:3 – Perfect peace for the mind stayed on the Lord Phil 4:6-7 – Prayer turns anxiety into guarded hearts 1 Pet 2:23 – Christ entrusted Himself to the righteous Judge Rom 12:18 – As far as it depends on you, live at peace Acts 16:25 – Paul and Silas sing hymns in a prison at midnight Living It Out Today • Begin each day asking the Spirit to rule heart and mind • Keep Scripture and worship songs ready to redirect the gaze upward • Speak truth with meekness, refusing to match anger with anger • Practice forgiveness in small offenses to prepare for larger ones • Remember the coming glory—Jesus stands to welcome the faithful sufferer • Let every attack trigger prayer for the attacker and praise to God Peace in persecution is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ; Stephen shows that when heaven fills the heart, earth’s rage cannot steal its song. |
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