First Christian Martyr
The first Christian martyr was Stephen, a very spiritual man full of faith. He was selected along with six others to serve the widows in the church. He did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose. Stephen was accused, defended himself honorably, and spoke some hard truths to the religious elite.
Acts 7:54-60
"When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
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." When he had said this, he fell asleep (he died). From the New International Version
Courage and Grace
Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu and Shim Sung-min follow in Stephen's footsteps (see post on Wednesday, August 1). I pray that if I'm ever called upon to suffer for my faith, that I'll have the courage and grace of Stephen.
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