Re:Verse reading–Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-58, 8:1-5, 26-38 (day six)
Did Stephen really have to die? It is such a tragedy. Young man, filled with the wisdom and Spirit of God. Doing great work, working wonders, preaching the Kingdom of God, and then what? Stoned. Gone.
What we soon discover is that Stephen’s stoning was only the beginning, others would follow, and many would be thrown in jail, but to what end? Suppression? Annihilation? No, the end result was firmly in the hands of a sovereign God. Stephen’s death would result in the furthering of God’s glory through the scattering of many believers who faithfully declared the good news wherever they went.
What they intended for evil, God intended for good. Genesis 50:20.
It seems to me that Stephen’s death signified a crucial milestone for the gospel and for the followers of Jesus Christ. Stephen’s death shows us His commitment and loyalty to the Lord Jesus. What remarkable attributes of a believer and follower!
I see the difference between Christ’s death and Stephen’s death. Christ died on the Cross speaks to God; and Stephen’s death speaks to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I commit” and Stephen said, “Receive”! The Lord Jesus called on God, His Father; and Stephen called on the Lord Jesus before he was stoned.
Stephen’s death clearly marked a significant transition toward focusing on Jesus in my view. God has a plan for furthering His glory! What are your thoughts on the differences between Jesus’s death and Stephen’s death? And what are implications for Christ’s followers and the gospel?