April 14

While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” — Acts 7:59 BSB

Stephen’s speech was cut short. The court listened quietly until he started talking about the temple. Stephen saw the hostility growing and quickly called out the rulers’ guilt. His calmness in contrast to their rage was remarkable. He gazed steadily into heaven and had an amazing vision. The heavens opened, and he saw Jesus, standing to help His servant.

Heaven isn’t far from earth, and Christ is near when we’re in trouble.

The court turned into a mob, dragging Stephen out to stone him. As the stones hit him, he knelt and prayed, asking Jesus to receive his spirit. For a Christian, death is simply the soul going into Christ’s hands. Stephen even prayed for those killing him before he peacefully “fell asleep.” Saul, who witnessed this, never forgot it.