Bible Studies

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This chapter begins with a question from the high priest, "Are these things so?" This was in reference to what was mentioned in chapter 6. Stephen gives his reply in a very long synopsis of a time in biblical history, lasting all the way to verse 50. At the end of his lecture, Stephen does not mince words, calling them "...stiff-necked...always resisting the Holy Spirit." (verse 51). In the next verse he calls them persecutors of the prophets and murderers of "...those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One..."  Then he told them that they have not kept the law "ordained by angels." (53).

     The government and religious leaders were furious, to say the least. The crowd ran toward Stephen with loud voices, drove him out of town, and then stoned him! Talk about intolerance. Among the mob is the first mention of a "young man named Saul" (verses 54-58) who later became known as the Apostle Paul. 

     Let's back up for a moment. This is the meat of the chapter. As the crowd was getting ready for the stoning, Stephen, being full of the Holy Spirit, "gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Verse 55 has a very interesting word. Jesus is seen "standing" at God's right hand. Is this a contradiction of Colossians 3:1 and Ephesians 1:20 which say that Jesus is "sitting" at the right hand of God?" No, absolutely not. One Bible commentator has stated that since Stephen was in a few moments to be stoned as a martyr for his faith, that Jesus was standing, to welcome him to heaven. What an incredible concept!

     Think of it. Stephen actually saw heaven and the glory of God. There is a literal heaven, and he saw it. And he saw Jesus standing to welcome him to his eternal home. It is so exciting to take the Bible literally. 

     The last two verses of this chapter close with the death of Stephen, but not before he cries out to God to receive his spirit, and ask that his persecutors be forgiven. This gives an incredible insight into true forgiveness. Forgiveness is not based upon feeling, for it is for sure that Stephen did not feel like forgiving them when they were about to stone him. Forgiveness is a conscious choice made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. Stephen then "fell asleep." In many passages of scripture this refers to death. 

     Application questions:

     1. If you had an opportunity to stand and speak out for the Lord in the face of possible persecution, would you do it? 

     2. Do you believe in a literal heaven?

     3. Will Jesus welcome you to heaven some day?

     4. Do you practice true forgiveness?

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