[RCL] Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 Acts 7:55-60 Today’s passage from the Acts of the Apostles opens with Stephen, who was previously said to have an angelic or transfigured face (Acts 6:15), gazing into heaven and having a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He voiced…

Acts 7:55-60 In the midst of his suffering and persecution, Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he saw the glory of God. The fact that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit shows the source of his courage, wisdom, and power in preaching. To make room for the Holy Spirit, he had to…

Acts 7:55-60 The ministry, arrest, and death of Jesus echo through the story of Stephen.  The apostles who knew Jesus prayed over and laid hands on Stephen to commission him in his ministry.  Stephen’s work following the way of Jesus threatened the established power structure and authorities; he was arrested, brought before the council and…

Acts 7:55-60 For the Fifth Sunday of Easter, we hear or read the five verses that are the culmination of Stephen’s ministry and his life. Luke’s description is shocking and disturbing, and amazing, especially when read within the entirety of Stephen’s story. Take a few moments to read it all, starting with Acts 6:1 and…