But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God. Acts 7:55
This verse refers to Stephen, he was one of the seven leaders chosen to supervise food distribution to the needy in the early church. He is known for his spiritual qualities of faith, wisdom, grace, and power and is also known for Spirit’s presence. He was an outstanding leader, teacher, and debater, he is the first to die for the name of Lord Jesus Christ. He did great wonders and signs among the people. Some men from the synagogue disputed with Stephen and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. The group falsely accused him of wanting to change Moses’ custom. Then Stephen launched into a long speech about Israel’s relationship with God, and when people heard, they were cut to the heart and they gnashed at him with their teeth, but Stephen being full of Holy Spirit saw the glory of God and Jesus, the Messiah standing at God’s right hand. Stephen’s words were similar to Jesus’ words spoken before the High Council. Stephen’s vision supported Jesus’ claim and angered the Jewish leaders hence they stoned, dragged, and killed Stephen. People may not kill us for witnessing Christ, but they may let us know they don’t want to hear the truth and try to silence us. Keep honoring God in your conduct and words though many turn against you and your message, some will follow Christ. Stephen’s death was not in vain, great events happened through Stephen’s martyrdom.
– Philip’s evangelistic tour
– Paul’s (Saul’s) conversion
– Peter's missionary tour
– The church in Antioch in Syria founded
Being filled with the Holy Spirit makes all the difference when we are persecuted, it allows us to see the heavens opened and see the glory of God. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and be faithful to the point of death like Stephen and win the promised crown of life for God’s Glory.