❓What do we know about Stephen, the first Christian martyr?
(Find his story in Acts 6-7!)

⛪️ As the early church was rapidly growing, Stephen emerged as one of seven men chosen to help distribute food to those in need.

✨ He began performing wonderful signs and miracles among the people, powered by God’s grace.

⚡️ Soon, Stephen is facing intense opposition.

⚖️ The Jewish leaders arrested him for speaking about Christ, bringing him before their ruling council, the Sanhedrin.

False witnesses accused him, much like they did with Jesus, but something remarkable happened – witnesses described Stephen’s face glowing like an angel’s 👼.

📜 When you read Stephen’s response, you’ll discover a masterful retelling of Jewish history, from Abraham through Solomon.

🙏 Through this narrative, he demonstrated God’s faithfulness throughout generations.

💪 But then, with remarkable courage, he confronted his accusers directly, pointing out how they had rejected God’s messengers and ultimately murdered the “Righteous One” — Jesus himself.

😠 The leaders, furious at his words, covered their ears and rushed at him.

🪨 As they began stoning him, Stephen, just like Jesus on the cross ✝️, prayed for his persecutors: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

But God used this tragic event for His greater purpose. ✨

🌍 The persecution that followed Stephen’s death scattered believers far and wide, fulfilling Jesus’s prophecy that His followers would be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.”

As Christians fled, they carried the gospel with them, 📢 spreading the good news of Jesus across nations and languages.

❤️ May the story of our brother Stephen give you encouragement this day, in the face of whatever you battle.

Steve Andrews Jr is pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #ststephen

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