Acts 6:8 to 7:60 God gives supernatural grace, courage, and love to stand firm for Jesus even in the face of suffering. Discover how Stephen served the church and testified fearlessly about Christ. Marvel at Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand. Learn to forgive those who mistreat us, just as Jesus and Stephen demonstrated. As the early church multiplied in [Jerusalem](/bible/explorer/place/jerusalem), [Stephen](/bible/explorer/person/stephen) was chosen as one of seven trustworthy men to care for widows, doing great wonders among the people. Full of Grace and Power Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He served the poor faithfully and did great wonders among the people. When opponents from various synagogues argued with him, they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke. Angry and bitter, they stirred up false witnesses who claimed Stephen spoke blasphemy against Moses and the temple. A Face Like an Angel and a Vision of Glory When the high council looked at Stephen, his face shone like the face of an angel. Stephen gave a brilliant survey of Israel's history, showing how God's people had continually resisted the Holy Spirit and rejected God's messengers. Looking up steadfastly into heaven, Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and saw the glory of God: 'Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!' Lord, Do Not Hold This Sin Against Them The enraged council rushed at Stephen, dragged him out of the city, and began stoning him. The witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While the stones were falling, Stephen prayed: 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried with a loud voice: 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' Having said this, he fell asleep in the Lord, becoming the first Christian martyr. 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 7:59 to 7:60 What did Stephen see when he looked up into heaven before the council? A storm gathering The glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God A chariot of fire Nothing at all The glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God Stephen saw the open heavens and Jesus standing at God's right hand to welcome him. What was Stephen's prayer for those who were stoning him? Destroy them with fire Lord, do not hold this sin against them! Remember what they did to me Make them pay double Lord, do not hold this sin against them! Following Jesus' example on the cross, Stephen prayed for his persecutors with Christlike forgiveness. Which young man guarded the coats of those who stoned Stephen? Barnabas Saul (later called Paul) Timothy Silas Saul (later called Paul) Saul witnessed Stephen's death and prayer, which later bore fruit when Christ saved Saul on the Damascus road. If anyone has hurt your feelings or spoken unkindly to you, pray for them by name this week and choose forgiveness. Lord Jesus, give us courage like Stephen to stand true to your Word. Fill our hearts with your love so that even when others are unkind, we can forgive and shine with your light. Amen. Why was Stephen able to forgive the people who were hurting him? How does Jesus standing at God's right hand comfort us when we face difficult challenges? Inspire children with Stephen's steadfast faith, heavenly vision, and Christlike forgiveness under persecution. Ask how hard it is to say 'I forgive you' when someone hurts you on purpose, and discuss where that power comes from. Why was Jesus standing instead of sitting? Many scholars believe Jesus stood to honor and welcome his faithful servant Stephen into glory. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes narrative, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.