Topical Encyclopedia Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is a profound example of forgiveness in the face of persecution and death. His account is primarily found in the Book of Acts, where he is introduced as one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5). Stephen is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), and he quickly becomes known for his powerful preaching and miraculous works among the people.Stephen's ministry, however, attracts the attention of certain members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who begin to dispute with him. Unable to counter his wisdom and the Spirit by which he speaks, they resort to false accusations, claiming that he speaks blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11). This leads to Stephen being seized and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. In Acts 7, Stephen delivers a bold and comprehensive speech before the Sanhedrin, recounting the history of Israel and highlighting their repeated resistance to God's messengers. His speech culminates in a direct accusation against the council, stating, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51). This indictment enrages the members of the Sanhedrin, leading them to drag Stephen out of the city to stone him. As Stephen faces imminent death, his response is one of remarkable forgiveness and grace. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). In his final moments, Stephen prays for his executioners, echoing the words of Jesus on the cross: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). This prayer for forgiveness, even as he is being stoned, exemplifies the Christian call to love one's enemies and forgive those who persecute. Stephen's martyrdom marks a significant moment in the early church, as he becomes the first Christian martyr. His death not only exemplifies the ultimate act of forgiveness but also serves as a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. The young man Saul, who later becomes the Apostle Paul, is present at Stephen's stoning, consenting to his death (Acts 8:1). This event foreshadows Saul's own dramatic conversion and his future role in the expansion of Christianity. Stephen's example of forgiveness in the face of persecution serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the call to embody Christ-like love and forgiveness, even towards one's enemies. His account continues to inspire believers to extend grace and forgiveness, trusting in God's justice and mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Unmerciful Servant. 1 Timothy ii. 4-Jan Index of Subjects. Elucidations. Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Matt. xviii. 21 The Sermon on the Mount. Index of Subjects. Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414. The Life of Mr. Robert Blair. Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Resources Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org What is forgiveness? | GotQuestions.org Forgiveness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forgiveness of Injuries: A Characteristic of Saints Forgiveness of Injuries: A Glory to Saints Forgiveness of Injuries: Christ Set an Example of Forgiveness of Injuries: Commanded Forgiveness of Injuries: David Forgiveness of Injuries: Illustrated Forgiveness of Injuries: Joseph Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to Christ's Forgiveness of Us Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to God's Forgiveness of Us Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to Our Need of Forgiveness Forgiveness of Injuries: Motives to The Mercy of God Forgiveness of Injuries: No Forgiveness Without Forgiveness of Injuries: Promises To Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Blessing and Prayer Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Forbearance Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Kindness Forgiveness of Injuries: Solomon Forgiveness of Injuries: Stephen Forgiveness of Injuries: To be Unlimited Forgiveness: David Forgives Saul Forgiveness: David Forgives Shimei Forgiveness: Esau Forgives Jacob Forgiveness: Jesus Forgives his Enemies Forgiveness: Joseph Forgives his Brothers Forgiveness: Moses Forgives the Israelites Forgiveness: Solomon Forgives Adonijah Forgiveness: The Prophet of Judah Forgives Jeroboam Related Terms |
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