To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

ELEVEN

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Not wanting to disgrace the cause of Christ, the apostles called the others together.

"It makes no sense to stall the work of the Lord and the spreading of the message of Christ to serve tables," James pointed out.

"I say find and appoint seven honest men who are filled with wisdom and the Holy Ghost to take over this matter," Andrew agreed, "As for us, we will continually give ourselves to prayer and to ministering the Word of the Lord. What say you?"

No one objected, already selecting men that fit the bill. Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas appointed to the task. While it may have looked like a menial, almost demeaning task, it was taken with honor and seriousness, the apostle's laying hands on the men and praying. God honored their obedience, His word increasing as well as new converts multiplying.

Stephen was especially full of faith and power, the Lord working in him mightily before the people, despite his meek and lowly station. It was nothing new for God to take the simple things of the world to confound the wise. By using people who were little in their own eyes, He was glorified all the more.

But things wouldn't stay peaceful for long for there arose men of the synagogue, Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and numerous of Asia and Cilicia, disputing with this man of God. God didn't forsake His servant, and in his words were wisdom and of the Spirit, irresistible.

Jealousy had not died in the peoples of the city, conjuring up lies, not unlike what they had done with Jesus, stirring up the people to hate the meek Stephen. "We have heard this man speak blasphemy against God and Moses!"

It wasn't long before Stephen was arrested, false witnesses coming forth, "He won't stop speaking against this holy place and the law."

"Yes, we've heard him say this Jesus of Nazareth," just His very Name had disdain coming out of their lips, "will destroy this place, changing our laws and customs that Moses gave us!"

"Are these things so?" the High Priest demanded.

Beginning at their forefather Abraham even to Moses, Stephen began to speak the Israelites history, "... God sent Moses to be a ruler and a deliverer and He brought them out..."

Alexander yawned loudly, "Yes yes, we know..."

Caiaphas looked at Alexander sternly. Just because he wasn't Jewish didn't mean that he had the right to mock.

"...Our fathers would not obey, but thrust Moses from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, telling Aaron to make them a golden calf because Moses was speaking with God and they grew impatient. And they offered a sacrifice unto the idol, rejoicing in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon..."

Alexander made another exaggerated yawn. They were here for a tribunal, not a history lesson.

Annas leaned forward. He, the priests, the Pharisees knew about the history of Israel since they were upon their mother's knees. He squinted at Stephen, waiting for him to relate something contrary.

"...Stubborn! You constantly resist the Holy Ghost, just as your fathers did! Which prophet of old haven't' your fathers persecuted and slain before for the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers who've received the law and wouldn't keep it!"

Convicted, unrepentant, Annas ground his teeth together, his jaws aching at the force. "How dare you!"

But Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost from whom he was given utterance, looked into the heavens and saw Jesus in glory, confirming and strengthening him! He gaped, his mouth pouring forth, his eyes transfixed on Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of his faith, "I see Jesus!"

The last house on the very end of the street could have made out the sound of Caiaphas and Annas screaming, their voices ricocheting off the walls of the council. Annas himself plugged his ears, running with the counsel towards Stephen, who'd not stopped looking into the heavenlies until he was yanked, his flesh ripping underneath their fingernails digging into his arms and hair as they dragged him outside the city.

Annas was the first to remove his outer cloak, laying it down in a neat pile at the foot of Saul's feet, grabbing the first stone and hurling it at Stephen. For being inside most of his life, he had an impeccable aim, it slamming against Stephen's temple, blood spewing forth from the ragged edge, dropping Stephen to his knees as stone after stone flew at him.

Saul grinned, holding his arms open wide. He was getting what he deserved. Who was he to accuse and place curses upon them? "I got you," he urged, taking Michael's coat so that he could participate, "Have fun!"

"Lord Jesus! Receive my spirit!" Stephen's voice was surprisingly clear, free from slurring, "Lord, don't lay this sin on their account."

Saul's arms were heavy with cloaks when Stephen fell asleep.