STEPHEN

As days went by, people in large numbers started believing in what the Apostles were teaching. Jesus was the first preference for all of them. But, as this happened, some of the widows were being overlooking the daily distribution of food.

To set that problem right, the Apostles chose seven men who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. One among them was a man named Stephen - a man full of God's grace and power. He did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
 

There were some religious men who tried to argue with Stephen. But then, they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. These evil men gathered more people to falsely accuse and lie against Stephen saying that He has spoken badly about Moses and God. Thus, the leaders made people in large of numbers to join them and made sure that Stephen was arrested.

He was brought before a Court, but he was not even slightly worried. All the people sitting in the Court saw that his face was as bright as the face of an angel. Then, the leaders questioned Stephen regarding what he had spoken and they never tried to understand that he had not committed anything wrong. They tried their best to put him into trouble by bringing people into the Court just to accuse him falsely.

But, God's Spirit was with Stephen and so, he knew what were the exact words he should speak and when. He answered all their questions with boldness, authority and great wisdom. This is the great change that happens to you and me when we are filled with God's Spirit.

Finally, Stephen said, "You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not try to kill? Now look at yourself! You have betrayed and killed the Saviour (Jesus) the One who came to seek and save the sinners!"

At this, the leaders became very furious, 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. He said, "Look! I see heaven open and there is the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." The crowd went mad at this. Yelling at the top of their voice and covering their eyes, they rushed towards Stephen. They dragged him out of the city and threw stones at him. He fell to his knees and cried out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! Lord, do not hold this sin against these people!"

Then Stephen died. He died as a Martyr for Jesus, a man of great boldness and wisdom.

Q1) Whose spirit was with Stephen?

Q2) What did the people do to Stephen?