Yesterday we saw how Peter, John, and other Jesus-followers respond to opposition in Acts 4-6. Today’s reading shows us Stephen’s response to opposition.
Stephen is one of the seven servants appointed at the beginning of chapter 6. He’s full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, and “God’s grace and power.” Opponents conspire against him. He preaches a sermon, and his opponents proceed to murder him.
How does he respond to this opposition? “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.'”
Maybe you hear Jesus in Stephen’s last words. Luke 23 reports that Jesus, while dying on the cross, said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” and, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
Father, please give us such faith in the face of opposition.
(Day 318: Acts 7-8)
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