STEPHEN THE MARTYR (PART 4) – THE COMPASSION OF A TRUE SERVANT OF GOD

Dear Members in Christ,

Stephen the Martyr (Part 4) – The compassion of a true servant of God

Stephen the martyr was persecuted for pointing out the cruelty of the assembly before the High priest. One of the most damning charge Stephen had laid against his persecutors was the manner in which their forefathers had mistreated the prophets, and their sin was that of betraying and murdering the Messiah, whom Stephen refers to as “the Just One”. Stephen’s accusation to them was thus,

“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.” Acts 7:52

This accusation was one of the cruel treatments of the entirety of God’s emissaries. He said, “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” accusing them (and their forefathers) of having persecuted every one whom God had sent to admonish or rebuke them for their sins. Their forefathers have killed the prophets who had been sent before the first advent of the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry on earth. This was also the testimony of the Lord Jesus when He rebuked the religious authorities, “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” Matthew 23:34,35

How was this court scene to be played out? The Bible records for us that they took Stephen outside the city walls and stoned him. A servant of God speaking the truth to an unregenerate generation is exposed to much danger. The Lord Jesus speaks of every prophet from righteous Abel to Zacharias who had been a victim of persecution. But how does a servant of God respond to such treatment? The answer is found in the example of our Lord Jesus for the Bible describes for us, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23. This we shall see is the same righteous conduct exhibited by Stephen the Martyr.

A. The compassion of a true servant of God

Firstly, whilst the persecutors were “cut to the heart” and gnashed their teeth like growling dogs against Stephen, this man of God had a comforting vision.

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55

There he was, a servant of God facing what would be certain death for blasphemy before this ungodly tribunal. But we see the grace of God, in granting him a vision of his beloved Lord and Saviour in his final moments. God had granted Stephen this comfort moments before his death, the knowledge that his Lord and Saviour liveth and reigneth. Not only is the Lord Jesus resurrected, but He lives and reigns, being seated at the right hand of God.

In the ensuing violence, Stephen showed great compassion for his persecutors, the Bible records, “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60)

Dearly beloved, this is an example for us to emulate. The servant of God, just like his blessed Master, is gracious and compassionate. Let us learn this aspect of Christ-likeness. Let us always see God’s hand in every event in our lives and be gracious and compassionate to every person. Stephen saw the persecution as a part of God’s divine plan for His people. Did not the Lord command us to “… Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” Matthew 5:44. We shall see that the martyrdom of Stephen is going to bear fruit. 

B. God’s sovereign plan in adversity

In all this, we observe the sovereign hand of God. Firstly, this was an encounter with a man named Saul (Acts 7:58) who witnessed the martyrdom of Stephen. Saul, who was later called Paul had this to say about his persecutory past against Christians.

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:12, 13

Undoubtedly, Paul had repented of his past cruelty. So, the persecutor became a preacher of the Gospel by the sovereign will of God. Secondly, there was to be another benefit from this martyrdom. This was the Christian diaspora which carried the Gospel to every corner of the known world. “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1.

Brothers and sisters, “God is still on the throne, and He never forsaketh His own.” These are words of a hymn we often sing. In every turn of event in our lives, let us submit to the sovereign will of God. Then even in adversity, we exercise compassion. We will be able to see God’s glory and opportunity. May God bless and strengthen us to serve Him Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor