As I read this passage, I can almost feel the energy of the early church leaping from the pages. The Spirit was powerfully on the move within them! What the enemy intended for evil, God transformed for good.
The believers had just witnessed Stephen’s brutal stoning, knowing that they could be next. Yet, even in their fear, they understood they were not alone. God used that moment of suffering to strengthen their faith and deepen their courage. When Stephen forgave his persecutors with his final breath, it powerfully echoed Christ’s own words of forgiveness spoken from the cross.
Stephen’s reflection of Christ must have breathed new life into those early believers, showing them that following Jesus meant more than belief—it meant embodying His love, forgiveness, and eternal hope. Stephen lived with a deep conviction that life on this Earth was not the ultimate prize, and that realization inspired others to live and share their faith with boldness. As they scattered, they continued to proclaim the good news, and God performed many miracles through them. Lives were changed, and great joy filled the cities where they went.
Last Sunday, we heard from the Ubank family, who shared a powerful testimony about how they chose to respond to their enemies—with forgiveness and the love of Christ. Amid grief and loss, they extend God’s peace and comfort to those who have hurt them.
Romans 5:8 reminds us: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
He died for us, for them, and for everyone.
So, who might God be calling you to forgive today—just as He has already forgiven you through the sacrifice of His Son?