Stephen's Martydom

Today I read Acts 7 where Stephen speaks to the Sanhedrin and shows how Abraham and Moses testified of Christ. I have often wondered why he only spoke to them of Moses and Abraham but I think that is because all too often when the Jews talk about their self-righteousness, it is to declare that they are the sons of Abraham and have the law of Moses. Those were the two pillars upon which the Jewish faith were built. So to show them that their ancient father and leader believed and looked forward to the time when Jesus would come would help convince them that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. At least that is what I think Stephen was thinking.

But it didn't turn out that way at all. They heard what Stephen had to say, which is a small miracle in itself, and they were furious. But while they were upset with him, they still had not made a move against him. It was only when he had his vision that they lose all control and stone him to death. So what happened in the vision? Why did they get so upset with him? It was because he declared that he saw the heavens open and saw God the Father, so far so good, but what he said next sealed his fate. He then declares that he sees Jesus Christ, who these same men crucified standing on God's right hand. This was blaspheme of the worst sort and was not to be tolerated. Stephen was immediately taken outside and stoned to death.

Stephen was truly a man of charity and even in the act of murdering him, he pleads with God to forgive these men and not charge them with his murder. What compassion and charity! I am not sure I would have been so forgiving. I think I would have more gone out like Abinidai and declared that God would avenge me. But I have a bad temper too, which is one of my weaknesses. Stephen does not blame these men for what they are doing. He understands that to them, they are doing what is right, stamping out any unrighteousness from among themselves in an effort to save all the Jews. Unfortunately, Stephen's last plea was in vain and these men will most likely be condemned of murder when the day of judgement comes around and will most definitely have to answer for Stephen's death, not to mention the death of Jesus Christ!

Now, when the men stoned Stephen to death, they removed their coats, to not get blood on them I presume. They laid them at the feet of a man named Saul. Now this is our first introduction to Saul, who would later become Paul the Apostle. He was complicit in the death of Stephen and was single handledly responsible for the incarceration and death of dozens of other Jews. But we will get to that later.

As I read the account of Stephen's death, I am amazed that Jesus was not stoned to death. I mean, these people lose all control when they hear too much blaspheme, how is it that they were able to control themselves enough to deliver Jesus up to the Romans for crucifixion? I truly don't know other than prophecy had to be fulfilled. But the more mundane reason, I cannot guess. I do not know why these same men were able to control themselves with Jesus. Maybe it was because they had tried to stone Him before and were unsuccessful, or that they wanted Jesus' death at the hands of the Romans. I am not really sure. Whatever the reason, Stephen declaring Jesus to be standing at the right hand of God, a position of favor, when Jesus was a known blasphemer and heretic was the final straw for these men. They would not let this go unpunished and so Stephen sealed his testimony with his blood.

I have often wondered just what would have happened if Stephen had been allowed to live. What a powerful force for good he would have been! I think he would have been similar to Nephi in the time of Jesus' visit to the Nephites, who was so full of faith and preached so powerfully that people could not disbelieve his words. What would it have been like to hear these men preach? It would have been inspiring indeed. Stephen's death was not in vain however, as his preaching and death set into motion the events that would eventually come to convert Saul who would go on to be the most well known Apostle of his day. Similar to Abinidai, who only converted Alma the Elder, Stephen helped pave the way for the conversion of one who would completely reshape his part of the world. I think Stephen would have been pleased to know that. But we will read more on that in the coming days. Until tomorrow.