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Bible Commentary: “Stephen” Saint Stephen’s Day

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8 NIV)

In the Christmas song, “Good King Wencelsaus” the king went out on the feast of Stephen. Today is the feast of Stephen. The gospel writer, Luke introduces us to Stephen, “This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5 NIV).   The Apostles chose Stephen as one man among 7 to help in the daily distribution of food among the widows. But Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Spirit and he began to do great wonders and miraculous signs among the people (Acts 6:8 NIV).

Now you would think that people would be appreciative of this kind of behavior but no, “Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)–Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:9-12 NIV).

So before the Sanhedrin Stephen tells them all about how God dealt with His people from Abraham through the Prophets and then calls them stiff-necked. “When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 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. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 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. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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” (Acts 7:54-60 NIV).

Child of God – Stephen was the first martyr of the New Testament and he behaved in a manner equal to Jesus on the cross. He gave his spirit to God and asked God to forgive their sin. If Stephen could forgive as these stones were being pitched at him, breaking his bones and slowly killing him then we, who will never endure such pain, should forgive those who hurt us with their words. Jesus is watching and this type of behavior captures His attention. Let us forgive with the forgiveness of God and live our lives in peace and good will among men.

Our prayer:
Lord, help me to remember not to focus on what men can do or say to me that can hurt my feelings. Those things are really not important when I can see life with a new perspective like Stephen did; as far as loosing his very life on hands of men and still forgive them. Give me Your Grace to be able to love others with the kind of love that covers multitude of faults considering myself that I won’t be tempted to hurt others too.
Amen.

If you want to have a personal relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior pray: “Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that out of love for me you willingly sacrificed your life so that I may live. I repent of all my sins and open my heart to you as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time or if you have any questions please contact us. We would love to hear from you

Bible Commentary: “Merry Christmas” The Days Of Christmas

“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11 NIV)

John, the apostle of Jesus begins his gospel in this manner, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it (John 1:1-5 NIV). “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:9-14 NIV)

At Christmas time we remember that Jesus was born, like all men are born, as a baby. But we must not focus on the baby!

And, like all babies, Jesus grew up and matured into a man. This man was a natural leader of men. He was a teacher, a healer, a forgiver, and a friend. This man gave His life for us that we might have life in Him. Jesus was our sacrificial Lamb. But we must not focus on the man or the sacrifice!

The wise men came and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king?” (Matthew 2:2 NIV)  Jesus was born as a baby and died as a man but in all instances Jesus was the King of kings and the Lord of lords. When Jesus returns He returns as the Sovereign King over all creation.

Child of God – Jesus is the Shepherd of shepherds and He is the Wisest of the wise. He is the One who orders our steps and He is the One who is the Way. Let us be like the wise men and the shepherds in the fields, give up all our tasks and come to Him who is the King and worship!

Our prayer:
Lord, thank you for the gift of life and the gift of your great love.  I’ll worship you as my King, Savior and Lord, as I wait for your return.
Amen.

Merry Christmas with much love to all of you!!

If you want to have a personal relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior pray: “Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that out of love for me you willingly sacrificed your life so that I may live. I repent of all my sins and open my heart to you as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time or if you have any questions please contact us. We would love to hear from you