Truth and Violence

While continuing through the one year Bible, I am now in the book of Acts. Chapters 6 & 7 record events in Stephen’s life and death. The violence is both startling and tragic. Stephen was a man of faith, chosen to administer help for widows.

First he was accused and then seized. Then the people brought him before a council.

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:8-15 ESV

Before the council Stephen gave testimony of his faith, Israel’s history and the coming of Jesus. As he finished talking the people became angry, but Stephen did not panic. He was focused on God.

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:54-56 ESV

But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:57-60 ESV

What can we learn from this text? Stephen’s example encourages us to speak truth, stand firm in faith, remain calm and keep our focus on God.

Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt is: PANIC