Acts 7:55-56 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God… Note how explicitly the character, attainments, and triumph of Stephen are ascribed to the Holy Spirit. In the first notice of him he is called "a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost." So here in his death. Bearing this in mind, observe — I. HE LOOKED UP STEADFASTLY INTO HEAVEN, where his heart and treasure had long been. Where else could he look? Everything urged him to look away from earth and invited him to look up to heaven. He had no sympathy below, but there was all sympathy above. There were the redeemed who had gone before him, the angels, Jesus, his heavenly Father, all waiting to welcome him. So good is brought out of evil, and man's violence made to hasten the saint's blessedness. "As thy days so shall thy strength be." When earth casts us out, heaven waits to receive us. II. As he looked HE SAW THE GLORY OF GOD. 1. In Isaiah 6. we may see the meaning of this glory, especially as interpreted by John. "These things, said Esaias, when he saw Christ's glory." The seraphim saw in Christ the glory of God — His mercy and His holiness, how He could be just and yet forgiving. So Stephen saw the Divine honour secured by that redemption for which he was called upon to die. 2. He saw Jesus standing, and the glory of God softened in the Person of his Saviour. He saw Jesus — (1) Glorious after His humiliation. (2) Accepted by the Father, and in that the proof that His work was accomplished. (3) "Standing," to import that He was interceding, giving the Spirit, and that human nature was indeed exalted in His Person. III. In full harmony with these views he said, "LORD JESUS, RECEIVE MY SPIRIT." 1. He had a clear apprehension of the soul's independence of the body. 2. He knew that as soon as his enemies had despatched him his soul would be admitted into glory. 3. He realised the sufficiency of Christ for his salvation. IV. How was he exercised towards his enemies? He prayed, LORD, LAY NOT THIS SIN TO THEIR CHARGE. 1. What just views of Christ these prayers discover. 2. What a view does his conduct give of the power of Christianity. V. It was while he expressed such a spirit that HE FELL ASLEEP. Learn from the example of Stephen — 1. How to die in peace. 2. That the Spirit has brought great glory to Christ from the death of His people. 3. What shall be the glory of the martyr in heaven? (J. Morgan, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, |
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