Unit One

Choice 4: Acts 7 the Martyrdom of Steven

I try to imagine the picture that was painted in Acts Chapter 7 of the death of Stephen.  It breaks my heart how awful this must have been to witness this tragedy.  But as I put myself in the shoes of Stephen, his last words being "Lord lay not this sin to their charge,"  my heart is softened to those that stoned Stephen.  I can't help but compare to the words of the Savor as he died on the cross, (Luke 23:34) "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do."  Because Stephen, "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," I know that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings that make up the Godhead.

After reading about the death of Stephen, and then the death of Abinadi I have seen that both men have unwavering testimonies.  They are fearless of the powers of men, but they only fear God.  They loved God, and were willing to "suffer even until death," (Mosiah 17:10) rather than recall their testimonies that they have spoken.  Their testimonies stand as a witness to me to not fear man, and to always be on the Lord's side.  They have taught be that "always" being on the Lord's side doesn't mean: always when it's convenient, always when it's legal, or always when everyone else seems to be.  But always being on the Lords side mean: when it seems impossible, and even when it seems easy.