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Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
Stephen answers the high priest by retelling Israel’s story—Abraham, Joseph, and Moses—to show a pattern: God keeps His promises, but God’s people often reject His deliverers the first time (vv. 2–43). He reminds them that God isn’t limited to one place; even before the temple, God met His people and led them (vv. 44–50).
Then Stephen applies it: “You always resist the Holy Spirit,” he says, just as their ancestors did with the prophets—and now with Jesus, the Righteous One (vv. 51–53). Enraged, the council drags him out and stones him. Stephen, full of the Spirit, sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand, prays, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and forgives his killers. A young man named Saul watches the coats (vv. 54–60).
🌀 Reflection:
Ask God to soften any place in you that resists His voice (v. 51). Pray to live with Stephen’s Spirit-filled courage, clear hope in Jesus, and a heart quick to forgive (vv. 55–60).
💬 Mission Challenge:
Reach out to someone you’ve had tension with—send a short message offering prayer and peace, or set up a quick call. If that’s not possible, take 10 minutes to write a encouraging note to a believer under pressure (missionary, pastor, or friend), and pray for the persecuted church this week.
Just Keith Harris 
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