Week 34
Stephen’s Final Prayer
Acts 7:54–60
“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”
Acts 7:54–60 (NKJV)
Stephen sees the glory of God while hatred closes around him. Heaven’s reality becomes more decisive than the rage before him.
He sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand—the faithful witness received by the faithful Lord.
Stephen’s prayer does not excuse murder. He names it as sin even while asking that it not be finally charged.
His words echo Jesus because the Spirit is forming the servant in the likeness of his crucified Savior.
This love is not natural niceness. It is resurrection freedom in the presence of mortal violence.
Saul hears the prayer while guarding the garments. Stephen cannot see the future apostle hidden inside the persecutor.
We do not know how God may use mercy offered without visible result. Faithfulness belongs to us; conversion belongs to Christ.
Ask for eyes lifted toward Jesus and a heart free enough to desire repentance even for those who resist the truth.
In Conversation with Richard Wurmbrand
Wurmbrand believed persecutors could encounter Christ and refused to let their cruelty dictate the spiritual posture of the church.
Stephen shows the source of such freedom: the glory of God, the standing Christ, and the Spirit’s power to echo Jesus under pressure.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Standing Lord Jesus, receive and strengthen Your suffering witnesses.
Give truth without hatred and mercy without denial. Restrain persecutors and turn them toward repentance.
Fix my sight on Your glory and form Your prayer within me. Amen.
Stand with Christ This Week
Faithfulness begins here.
Return often to Acts 7:54–60. Let courage grow from a clearer vision of Christ, never from confidence in yourself.