Full of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 7:54-60, Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen caps his time before the council by showing them that they are a stiff-necked people who always resist the Holy Spirit, and who kill the prophets. In a blind rage, they attack and kill him. Even in death, the grace of forgiveness shines forth as it did with Jesus on the cross. Are we able to bear up under this kind of test? Not by our own power or might, but only by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill us to overflowing and may your gifts abound; give us your grace in the face of the opposition to the truth of your good news!

ESV Lectionary