v55 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. v56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
As Stephen was being stoned for speaking the truth when it would have been more convenient to keep quite, he received his justification by seeing Jesus giving him a standing ovation. I believe when we stand up for Jesus, He does the same for us.
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
The mention of a young man named Saul is a precursor to a greater story that has yet to unfold.
59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
As Stephen is breathing his last breath he is pleading for the forgiveness of his attackers. Love should be the language we speak over all others.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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