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Acts 7:59-60 – Self-Defense When Persecuted?
Believers are responsible for God’s reputation (Rom.2:24). Because of us unbelievers will want to know Jesus; won’t want to truly know; or won’t even know who He is. Before Paul witnessed Stephen stoned, he thought he knew. After the stoning Paul became more zealous against Jesus. Sometimes people don’t want to know more because of our righteous example – and then later will want to. I have no doubt that when Jesus miraculously appeared to Paul, and for a lifetime later, he could still hear Stephen say, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit….Lord do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:59-60). I doubt this scene would have as much meaning if Stephen started throwing stones back at Paul and the others. When Jesus appeared to Paul, he was ready. I believe believers like Stephen helped pave the way. It is meaningful that as Stephen relived the death of Jesus; Paul will relive and teach that all of us are living and dying the death of Jesus.
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