Dying Well
Acts 7:54-60
January 6, 2008

What will death be like? What will heaven be like?
Can we see spiritual reality? (Isa 6:1-3; Ezekiel 1:26-28; 2 Cor 12:2-4; Rev 1:12-16)
What can we learn from Stephen’s vision of glory?
Context of Stephen’s death
Was Stephen killed by Mob violence or court execution?
What was stoning? (Lev 24:10-23; Deut 17:2-7; Mishnah Sanhedrin 6:1-4)
Contrast Stephen and his killers
Filled with the Spirit, filled with rage
He sees and proclaims the glory of Jesus, and they cover their ears and shout him down.
What is significant about the term Son of Man? (Daniel 7:13-14)
Why is Jesus standing?
What did Stephen say? What did it say about Jesus? (Mark 14:61-62; Luke 12:8)
He prays as they stone him
Like Jesus’ own words. (Luke 23:46)
He prays for their forgiveness as they kill him.
Like Jesus’ own words. (Luke 23:34)
Application:
Our suffering and service for Christ matters, and God does notice.
God will use our service for his own purpose and glory.
When we suffer, we can still love and serve our enemies.
Death is gain for the believer. (Phil 1:21, 23; 2 Cor 5:6-10)