Don’t Charge Them
Following the Example of Forgiveness
SCRIPTURE:
Acts 7:59-60 NLT - As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
OBSERVATION:
What would your last words be if you were falsely accused, abused, and facing death by stoning? Honestly, I don’t know whether mine would be the same as Stephen’s.
Stephen followed the example of Jesus—the very One he had been preaching about to the religious council. When Jesus was put to death by the same group, He also spoke words of forgiveness from the cross:
Luke 23:34 NLT - …"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
Though Stephen’s ministry was brief, it was deeply impactful. He not only served the widows but also played a vital role in the early church. Thousands were being saved, the gospel was spreading, and God was using ordinary people like Stephen in extraordinary ways.
Acts 6:8 NLT - Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.
Stephen lived and was known for being full of grace and power. God truly did great things through him in a short time.
Acts 7:59-60 NLT - As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
OBSERVATION:
What would your last words be if you were falsely accused, abused, and facing death by stoning? Honestly, I don’t know whether mine would be the same as Stephen’s.
Stephen followed the example of Jesus—the very One he had been preaching about to the religious council. When Jesus was put to death by the same group, He also spoke words of forgiveness from the cross:
Luke 23:34 NLT - …"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
Though Stephen’s ministry was brief, it was deeply impactful. He not only served the widows but also played a vital role in the early church. Thousands were being saved, the gospel was spreading, and God was using ordinary people like Stephen in extraordinary ways.
Acts 6:8 NLT - Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.
Stephen lived and was known for being full of grace and power. God truly did great things through him in a short time.
Stephen wasn’t a Superman, but he was a man filled through all his being with the Holy Spirit. Many have little idea of how greatly they can be used of God as they walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. – David Guzik
APPLICATION:
What can we learn from Stephen that we can apply to our lives today? I think he would tell us, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.” These same words were later echoed by Paul—the very man who once stood approvingly as Stephen was stoned (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Did Paul learn this by watching Stephen? Perhaps. The scene of Stephen’s death and his final prayer must have left a deep impression on Paul’s heart.
"Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!"
Stephen modeled five things we can strive to practice daily:
These are big shoes to fill, but with Jesus, they fit well.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being the ultimate example of forgiveness and love. Thank You for men like Stephen, who answered Your call, relied on Your Spirit, and modeled Your grace. Help me live in such a way that I, too, can say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
What can we learn from Stephen that we can apply to our lives today? I think he would tell us, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.” These same words were later echoed by Paul—the very man who once stood approvingly as Stephen was stoned (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Did Paul learn this by watching Stephen? Perhaps. The scene of Stephen’s death and his final prayer must have left a deep impression on Paul’s heart.
"Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!"
Stephen modeled five things we can strive to practice daily:
- Follow Jesus.
- Serve others.
- Be filled, empowered, and led by the Spirit.
- Be full of God’s grace.
- Forgive—even in our final breath.
These are big shoes to fill, but with Jesus, they fit well.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being the ultimate example of forgiveness and love. Thank You for men like Stephen, who answered Your call, relied on Your Spirit, and modeled Your grace. Help me live in such a way that I, too, can say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
True strength is shown in forgiveness—just as Jesus and Stephen demonstrated.
Posted in 06 - Acts
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