By Andrew Williams
“Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting at him. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city. Then the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” – Acts 7:57-58 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Acts 7:57-58 vividly portrays the Sanhedrin’s violent rejection of Stephen’s message and their immediate response. Unable to bear the truth, they “put their hands over their ears and began shouting at him,” a symbolic act of refusing to listen to anything further. Their outrage escalated into a frenzied attack as they rushed upon Stephen, dragged him outside the city, and prepared to stone him to death. The mention of the witnesses laying their coats at the feet of Saul (who would later become the Apostle Paul) foreshadows his role in persecuting the early church. This passage reveals the extreme measures to which some will go to silence those who speak truth that challenges their power and beliefs.
As a disciple of Christ, you may face opposition, rejection, or even persecution for your faith. Like Stephen, you may encounter those who refuse to listen to the truth, who mock your beliefs, or who seek to silence your voice. In such moments, remember that you are not alone. Jesus promised that His followers would face opposition, and He has equipped you with the strength, courage, and grace to stand firm in your faith until the end. You are empowered by the Holy Spirit to remain faithful, even in the face of adversity, and to trust that God will use your suffering for His glory.
This week, prepare yourself for the possibility of facing opposition for your faith. Strengthen your relationship with God through prayer, study of His Word, and fellowship with other believers. When you encounter rejection or persecution, remember Stephen’s example: remain steadfast in your faith, speak the truth in love, and trust that God is in control. Redirecting your focus to God is essential in times of turmoil and persecution.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the strength, courage, and grace to stand firm in my faith, even when faced with opposition or persecution. Help me to speak the truth in love and to trust that You are in control, even when I cannot see the outcome. May my life be a testimony to Your faithfulness and may my suffering be used for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
