727. ACT 7:59, ACT 7:60. STEPHEN’S CHARACTER AND DEATH

Act_7:59, Act_7:60. Stephen’s Character and Death

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."’97Act_7:59, Act_7:60.

Our text records the death-scene of one of the earliest martyrs of the Christian church. Stephen had been chosen, on account of his eminent piety, to be one of the first deacons; chap. Act_6:5. But now we find him delivering a most learned and elaborate address and defence of the Christian system, before the Sanhedrim, in reply to a charge that had been made against him; Act_6:8, &c., of the previous chapter. This address concluded with the most faithful and searching application; Act_7:51. This excited them to the greatest rage; Act_7:54. God publicly honored Stephen by giving him a vision of the heavenly glory; Act_7:55. This he attested to the people, and then followed the tragedy of his death, &c.; Act_7:57.

Let us consider,

I. The character of Stephen. And,

II. The circumstances of his death. I. The character of Stephen.

Not much is said of him in the sacred volume. But that little is the highest testimony that can be given.

He is described,

1. As full of faith and power. Chapter Act_6:7. A man of earnest strong faith. A believer with all his heart. Unbelief, and doubting, and wavering excluded. Spiritual power and pious energy followed.

2. He was filed also with the Holy Ghost. Of the Holy Spirit we have as we ask, and as we believe. He had large faith, and therefore, power with God; and was filled with the Holy Spirit. In all his illumining influences.’97In all his sanctifying influences.’97In all his comforting influences.’97In all his strengthening influences.

3. He was invested with miraculous powers.

"Did great wonders," &c. Had the Spirit both in his ordinary and extraordinary operations.

4. He was one of the first deacons of the church.

The origin of the office is described: chap. Act_6:1, &c. He filled it with honor and fidelity.

5. He was a faithful witness for Christ. Read his powerful address, and see its conclusion. How direct and earnest, &c., in this. He ran all risks.’97He dared all consequences.’97He lost sight of every thing but his duty. His life and work ended together.

Such was Stephen. We might just advert to the reference made, to his personal appearance: chap. Act_6:15. So it is said of Moses: Exo_34:30. Character and emotions often break through the veil of the body, both as to the vile and the holy. Some bad men have looked like demons. Some holy men like angels. The mind has much to do with the countenance, &c.

Notice,

II. The circumstances of his death.

His death,

1. Was violent.

He was martyred for Christ’s sake. Dragged out of the city by a rude and lawless mob; then stoned to death. Hear the yells of the infuriated population,’97how they clamor for his blood. See them stripped for the horrid deed! Look at the spectacle, and you see a young man standing by and assenting to his death! He cheerfully guards the clothes of those who stoned him. Ah! that is Saul: we shall shortly meet him again, &c.

2. He died in the spirit of Christian clemency.

Does he revile his revilers? Does he even reason with them’97or implore their mercy? No. But he becomes their intercessor. Collected, calm, Christlike, he kneels down’97supplicates, with his dying breath, favor from Christ’97"Lord, lay not this sin," &c. How supernatural! How divine!

3. He commends his immortal spirit into the hands of Christ.

He was favored with a vision of the heavenly glory; Act_7:55, &c. He saw his blessed Lord standing as his Advocate and Friend. To him, therefore, he commends his deathless soul’97"Lord Jesus," &c.

Here is worship paid to Christ. Prayer, the highest act of devotion. To whom could he go? &c.

4. He then falls asleep in Jesus.

Christ received the deposit. The spirit is impalpable’97cannot be stoned or killed. It is unhurt. Christ opens his arms. Angels are sent, and the spirit soars on high, to dwell with Jesus forever, &c.

"Asleep;" such is the general description given of the death of the godly. It is,

A state of repose after toil. Work of the day done, &c.

A state of unconsciousness. The senses sealed till the day of the resurrection. No pain, &c. Yet only a state of temporary suspense. He shall awake again. It is but for a night.

A state of peace and tranquillity. No strife, &c.

Such was the death of the illustrious Stephen.

Learn from it,’97

1. The connection often between fidelity and suffering.

2. The glorious results of a holy life. Vision of God. His presence in death, &c.

3. The benevolence of Christianity. It is a system of blessing, and not of cursing, &c.

4. The immediate entrance of the dying saint to glory.

5. The great event we should ever keep in view. The dying day.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS