The Martyrdom of Stephen

Stephen’s faithful witness begins with an appointment to serve neglected widows and ends with false charges and death. Before the council, he argues that God cannot be contained in the temple and that Moses and the law point to Jesus. His accusers stone Stephen, yet he dies looking to Jesus and asking forgiveness for his killers. His death seems tragic. God uses the persecution that follows to scatter believers beyond Jerusalem, where they proclaim the gospel. Bible References: Acts 6–7 Preacher: Josh Hartog