The First Martyr

Stephen desired for Christ to be known, even though his preaching and witness enraged the city leaders in Jerusalem. In rejecting Jesus, these residents of Jerusalem responded by killing the messenger rather than listening to the message. They sent this young preacher out to the crowd with a death warrant which a terrorist mob is more than willing to carry out. And standing over the body is this guy named Saul. Stephen's death lights two intertwined fires. The first is a fire of persecution that breaks out in Jerusalem led by Saul of Tarsus. Yet, the fire of persecution lit the wick leading to the explosive scattering of the church which led directly to the Gospel going to the nations. The way God will tell His story flowing from the death of Stephen, the scattering of the church, and entrance of Saul is nothing less than amazing. We are not promised that following Jesus will be easy; we may have to lay down our lives to be on mission. But, we are promised that our mission cannot fail.