By F. D. Adkins
Surrounded… yet he did not cower. His enemies tried to debate, but their rebuttal held no ground against his words of truth. He knew God’s Word and he spoke without hesitation. So, they spread lies until they had stirred an angry mob against Stephen. And still, as he stood surrounded by people who wanted him to die, Stephen did not betray his Savior, nor did one word escape his lips that he would ever be ashamed of. Instead, Stephen spoke TRUTH.
They heard Stephen, and they knew. The Bible says, “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart…” (Acts 7:54 KJV). But these men rejected the light and sunk deeper into darkness, for the same verse of scripture goes on, illustrating their next action by detailing, “and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54 KJV).
Hmmm. That phrase sounds familiar. In Matthew 13:50, Jesus used similar wording in his description of the end times when the wicked are thrown into the fire. He says, “…there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 13:50 KJV).
From the use of that phrase, I conclude that Stephen was surrounded by a much greater darkness than a few men who desired to stir an argument. Stephen was surrounded by forces of darkness that were fueled by hate. Stephen’s words of TRUTH hit home. These men knew he spoke TRUTH, and it enraged them.
Stephen could have elected to back down. He could have chosen to deliver a different speech to appease his audience. He could have blended with his earthly surroundings. But he did not.
Paul stated in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Yes, evil men chose to end Stephen’s earthly life… but his Savior was waiting.
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56 KJV
When I think back to watching my children play sports or perform in various activities, as a proud parent, my instinctive reaction to a job well done was to leap to my feet and cheer. I believe that is why Stephen saw Jesus standing. Jesus was so proud of Stephen’s faith and character. At the end of Stephen’s speech, Jesus leaped to his feet, welcoming Stephen to his eternal home with a standing ovation.
Imagine that… entering Heaven with a standing ovation by Jesus.
My Bible verse for this week: “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalm 56:11 KJV
I hope you will memorize it with me.
