As Stephen recounts the history of the Israelites - mainly as they have rejected God and His messengers, the prophets, over and over again - the people are enraged.
And here we see another servant of God fall at the hands of angry men.
The message from God isn't a happy message. The biggest hurdle for unbelievers is the very fact that they are sinners. Many are offended that they would be called such a thing for they consider themselves so good. But until this very fact is recognized, there can be no salvation.
Yet, for Stephen - even as death was fast approaching - looked into the heavens and saw Jesus... and it was as if Stephen fell fast "asleep" before he even felt the pain of the stoning.
Stephen had crazy faith. He spoke the truth with boldness and even suffered the consequences of it.
And we also find a small section on Saul (who will later become Paul). Saul is just as faithful and passionate but in the opposite direction - towards persecuting the church.
Stephen and Saul - two men who lived passionately.. eventually Saul's passion will be redirected towards Christ and he too will die a martyr's death.
passion. courage. boldness. faith.
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