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In Acts 6, we read of what happened when The Church of Jesus Christ grew at such a rapid pace. An internal problem arose, and the solution was to appoint seven people in authority, who had authority to do the job. These seven men were appointed by the apostles, with the laying on of hands and prayer.

This allowed the Twelve to continue to give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. They were not going to be diverted or side-tracked. One of these seven chosen was Nicolas, a gentile who became a Jew. He then came to believe in Jesus Christ and became a respected disciple. He would have repented - believed - been baptised in water - and baptised in The Holy Spirit. These were the minimum qualifications.

At this point, The Bible focuses upon a man whose Christian career was very short. He was one of the seven who were chosen to resolve the administrative problem, but he lived only a few months - Stephen. He began to exercise a dynamic ministry. He is full of faith, and filled with the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Not only does he do the work for which had been appointed and set apart, but once he completed his duties he goes around preaching, and through his ministry miracles happen. But again, quite quickly, as he ministers in the Name of Jesus Christ, opposition arises, and once again its source is the old traditional religious community in Jerusalem.

These people argued and disputed with Stephen, and when they lost the argument they resorted to force. We are told that they could not resist his wisdom. They could not resist his speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit, so those opposing him resorted to underhand methods. They arranged for false witnesses, and soon Stephen is in the same courtroom as Jesus had been in a few months previously.

What he had been saying is misrepresented, and Stephen goes on to give a positive affirmation of his faith in Jesus Christ. This is the same courtroom as Peter, James and John and the others have appeared in. Stephen is charged with blasphemy, and accused of speaking against Moses and against God.

How does he react to all these false charges and dubious accusations, with his words being distorted and twisted? He sits in that courtroom looking serene and poised and so in control of his situation. He has committed his life and cause to Jesus Christ, and he is trusting Jesus to bring him through, and see him through. All who looked at him saw his face was like the face of an angel. The light and love and grace of Jesus Christ was being reflected from his face. He knew he would suffer as Jesus His Saviour and Lord suffered. He knew he was soon to die.

In the opening words of Chapter 7, the High Priest asks Stephen if these charges are true. He begins to reply, and what he basically says is - "Once you have got Jesus Christ, you have got everything you need." His reply is lengthy and comprehensive. He refers to Abraham, to Joseph in Egypt, Moses, David, Solomon, and finally ends up by saying that God sent Jesus Christ the Righteous One into the world, and you resisted Him, and even killed and murdered Him. The Holy Spirit places His seal upon Genesis and Exodus in these verses. Never be afraid or ashamed to quote the Old Testament.

Now, this is only a few months after Calvary, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. "You are accusing me of not keeping the law. You yourselves have not kept the law." Stephen got no further, and no wonder. These 70 leading lawyers were furious. If Peter, James and John had made them angry, this was worse. Stephen was untroubled by their anger. Stephen is full of the Holy Spirit, and as he looks upward to heaven he sees the glory of God, with Jesus at the right hand of God. He speaks of what he sees, to those in the courtroom - "Look I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." He shares what he sees, and for Stephen that proves very costly indeed. This only enrages these religious people further. They close their ears, putting their hands over their ears. They will hear no more, and they attack Stephen. They drag him out of the city of Jerusalem, and stone him to death.

Men think they can kill the truth by killing those who hold the truth, but that cannot be done. Men think they can blot out the truth by obliterating those who preach this truth. That cannot be done. This was illegal. A legal execution required the approval of Rome. There was one man in that courtroom who is going to be greatly affected by this incident. At this particular moment he is probably angrier than all the others. We know he is the ringleader of the group stoning Stephen to death. His name is Saul of Tarsus - a leading learned Pharisee. Saul is there. It is he who gives the command - "Stone Stephen to death!"

Before Stephen dies, in agony and excruciating pain, he looks up and says - "Lord Jesus receive my spirit, and then he falls on his knees and cries out - "Lord do not hold this sin against them - Lord, forgive them." That is powerful! Saul of Tarsus is deeply moved by this. Not only was Saul of Tarsus moved by this prayer of the first man to die for his faith in Jesus Christ, but Jesus was moved.

Jesus forgave Saul, and within a few months the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ meets Saul of Tarsus outside the city of Damascus - forgives him - changes him - transforms him. This man who had commanded that Stephen be stoned to death, later became one of the greatest preachers and missionaries the world has ever seen. He is to become the man who is to write much of our New Testament. We never know what will happen when we forgive someone.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Biggest Mistake