In the Book of Acts, the Apostles choose seven men to assist them. Of these seven a man named Stephen was chosen and martyred for spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Stephen was described by Paul as a man that was "full of faith and power" (Acts 6:8). Because of his faith and power Stephen was able to work "great wonders and miracles amount the people" (Acts 6:8).
Before Stephen was martyred he told the people that they were not truly converted to the Lord. When he stated, "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart…" (Acts 7:51) he was actually saying that the people know and hear the word of God but find no love or "have no delight in it" (Jeremiah 6:10). He then goes on to tell the people that they have betrayed and crucified their Lord and Savior (Acts 7:52). As the people heard these things about themselves they because offended and subsequently, drove Stephen out of the city. While they did this they were stoning him.
As Stephen was being stoned he was calling out to God, only to have his testimony sealed with his blood, much like Abinadi in the Book of Mormon. As he lay there dying he called out to Heavenly Father, "Lord lay not this sin to their charge." When I read this, it made me think, how often have I called out for the justice when I have been wronged? I have never been stoned to death (obviously) but I have had some things occur in my life that made me feel I deserved some form of justice. Was this the right thing for me to do? As I pondered this, I thought of another scripture, Matthew 5:44. In this scripture the Savior is speaking and he says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." How often do I bless those that curse me? Or do good to them that hate me?
Throughout the last words of Stephen we also learn something about the Holy Ghost, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ. As Stephen was speaking out, he saw that the people were becoming more and more offended (Acts 7:54). Often offense leads to violence. The scriptures don't mention this, but I imagine he was scared of what was to happen next. Something happened next to change Stephen's attitude about the situation he was in. "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." Stephen was able to exercise enough faith to allow the Holy Ghost to strengthen him in this dangerous situation, and because of this he was able to see God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ before his martyrdom. From here we not only learn about a function the Holy Ghost has but also we are shown that Jesus and Heavenly Father are separate and distinct beings! How awesome is that?!
I mention a man name Abinadi earlier in this post. He was a disciple of Christ, a missionary who was sent to teach the people of King Noah and subsequently King Noah himself. Abinadi like Stephen spoke against the people, listed there sins, told them what they needed to do and what they had done wrong, again just like Stephen. But unlike Stephen he was not stoned. He was burned alive. As he was dying he called out to God saying "O God, receive my soul." Stephen also called out to the Lord in his anguish and was taken home.
Both of these men leave me questioning how strong my faith is. They motivate me to become a better disciple of Christ and to learn more of him.
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