A great persecution.

Acts 7:57-8:1, 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. And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Stephen’s challenge to these rulers provoked them to wrath, and seemingly went very badly for him. Yet he shows us the eternal perspective, that he was not willing to hold back the truth for his own safety, and became the first martyr of many in the process. And right from the beginning, we see this young man Saul, soon to become Paul, actually beginning the spread of the gospel to the outlying regions by this terrible act. How amazing it is that God will soon choose this same Saul to be His own, to take the gospel to the outer parts of the world!

We are amazed by Your great mercy in saving any of us who have rebelled against You, O Lord! We give You thanks and praise for Your amazing grace toward us in Christ Jesus!

ESV Lectionary