Stephen's Victorious Death
Acts 7:44-60 · July 16, 2023
Explore the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and his courageous faith in the face of death. This message reflects on his final words, his Christlike forgiveness, and the call to live—and, if necessary, die—for Christ.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:34 The number of Christians killed for their faith today is a source of contention
03:28 What the Bible tells us about laying down your life for Christ (John 16:1-2; Romans 8:35-37)
09:40 What Stephen says of Moses (Acts 7:42-43)
10:35 Blasphemy of the Temple (Acts 7:44-50)
13:58 Stephen’s accusation: You are just like your fathers (Acts 7:51-55)
16:58 The attitude Stephen had in ministry and in death (2 Timothy 2:24-25; Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 5:22-23)
22:03 The glory of God (Acts 7:55-56; Luke 22:67-70; Psalm 110:1-2)
25:15 The stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57-58)
26:15 Why didn’t they stone Jesus?
27:40 Saul before Paul (Acts 7:58; Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Philippians 3:5-6; Acts 22:3-4; Acts 26:9-11)
32:06 Stephen’s victorious death (Acts 7:59-60; 2 Chronicles 24:22)
35:22 Stephen prayed like Jesus (Luke 23:33-34; Revelation 2:10)
36:11 Be ready to give a defense with humility and fear
36:31 Even if we are not martyred, we are to lay down out lives
37:22 Whether we live or die, we live for Christ (Romans 14:8)
38:38 Closing prayer
