0401. Steps That Led to Saul's Conversion–The Dying of Stephen

Steps That Led to Saul’s Conversion–The Dying of Stephen

"And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul" (Act_7:58).

The martyrdom of Stephen must have made a lasting impression upon the mind of Saul. He had, to be sure, consented to his death; he had kept the garments of the mob who had stoned him; he had tried to justify his awful deed, by some sort of religious fanaticism, with the idea that Stephen was an impostor and a fraud; but, there was something about Stephen’s death that he could not shake off.

First, there was his remarkable message; and the more Saul, afterward, pondered over Stephen’s words, the more they gripped his heart. Then, there was the shining face; the joy of one who seemed exultantly happy in his death–that astonished Saul. Then, there were Stephen’s last words, "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." All of this had its effect on Saul.

What we need to-day are lives filled with God; faces shining with the Spirit, and testimonies that have the ring of Truth. Then more Sauls will fall under the conviction of their sins.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR