There were problems with the daily distribution of food. “So the Twelve apostles called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, SELECT SEVEN MEN who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch.” (Acts 6:1-3, 5) One of these first deacons was used mightily of God, “Stephen, a man FULL OF GOD’S GRACE AND POWER, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8)
None of the Jewish religious leaders could stand against Stephen TOMMY, “So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” They lied to the point that they brought Stephen to be tried, “At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became AS BRIGHT AS AN ANGEL’S.” (Acts 6:15) Then for the next 53 verses of Acts chapter 7 Steven preached to them about the minister of Moses. He closed with this verse, “You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels. The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and HE SAW JESUS STANDING in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” (Acts 7:53-55)
Now they were really angry and they, “…dragged him out of the city and began TO STONE HIM. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of A YOUNG MAN NAMED SAUL (who later became the apostle Paul). As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “LORD, DON’T CHARGE THEM WITH THIS SIN!” And WITH THAT, HE DIED.” (Acts 7:58-60)
He took his last breath on earth and his FIRST BREATH WITH JESUS…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham