SATURDAY March 18, 2023
A Witness to Martyrdom
Then they [the Jewish elders] cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him [Stephen] with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 7:57-58
Furious men, all who made up the Sanhedrin, had heard enough, and together they rushed Stephen. They could no longer contain their violent emotions one minute more. They came at him in anger and hate. Stephen had given them truth and they had rejected it. In doing so they not only rejected Stephen’s witness, but they had rejected Christ––sad.
These murderers grabbed hold of Stephen, threw him outside the city of Jerusalem to stone him. Do you know who witnessed Stephen’s martyrdom? It was none other than Paul the Apostle. At this time, his name was Saul. It is believed that on this occasion, Saul was so impacted by Stephen’s martyrdom. God would use Stephen’s death to help bring Saul to Christ.
Perhaps you remember what Stephens name means. The name Stephen means “crown.” In heaven, Stephen was sure to receive a reward––the martyr’s crown:
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Revelation 2:10: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Be encouraged, whatever opposition, persecution, threat, temptation or death for Christ’s name, know that God will use all for His glory, and for the spreading of the Gospel. In the end, in eternity, there is a crown awaiting you.
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
~Tertullian~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
