Day 23 — Stephen Stands Firm

“While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

— Acts 7:59–60 (BSB)

Stephen was one of the early leaders in the church. The Bible says he was “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,” and he did amazing things among the people.

But some religious leaders hated what Stephen was teaching about Jesus. They brought false witnesses to lie about him, and they dragged him before the council, the same group that had condemned Jesus.

Stephen could have kept quiet to save his life. Instead, he stood up and boldly told them the truth about God and about Jesus. And the leaders were furious.

Then Stephen looked up to heaven and said, “Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

The angry crowd rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began throwing stones at him.

And look at what Stephen did. He prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Stephen forgave the very people who were killing him, just like Jesus had done on the cross. Then he “fell asleep,” which is the Bible’s gentle way of saying he died and went to be with Jesus.

Stephen shows us two kinds of courage.

The courage to speak the truth, even when it’s dangerous. Stephen didn’t water down the message about Jesus to make people like him.

The courage to forgive. This might be the harder one. It takes huge strength to forgive someone who is hurting you.

And there’s something else. Standing in that crowd, holding the coats of the men throwing stones, was a young man named Saul. He approved of what they were doing. But later, Saul met Jesus, became a Christian, and changed his name to Paul. He became the greatest missionary in history. Many people believe Stephen’s brave death and forgiving prayer stuck with Saul.

You probably won’t face what Stephen faced. But you might face kids who laugh at your faith or leaders who don’t like what you believe. You can stand firm and forgive, like Stephen.

Think about it: Which is harder for you: speaking up for what’s right, or forgiving people who treat you badly?

Try this: Is there someone who has made fun of your faith or treated you badly? Pray for him today, like Stephen did.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Stephen’s courage. Help me stand firm and speak the truth about You, even when it’s hard. And help me forgive people who hurt me, like Stephen did and like You did. In Your name, Amen.