Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 5Sample

Life matters. Death matters too. The moments leading up to Stephen’s death and his death itself were pivotal to the growth of the early church. His death meant liberation for the church. Up until this point, they had been witnessing to the Jews only but now they would be directed to take the message to the Samaritans and Gentiles.

His death was an incredible echo of Jesus’ death as he prayed, “Receive my Spirit and forgive them, for they know not what they do." Stephen was following the example of Jesus but also setting the example for Saul, who would later turn to Christ and become a pioneer in the expansion of the gospel.

Only two things mattered to Stephen in those last moments - faith in Jesus and love for his murderers. His greatest testimony in life and death was this: faith in Jesus and love for others.

Think about opportunities today where your life can testify of faith in Jesus and love for people.