Stephen's last words were accusing the priests of being unrighteous and disobeying God's commandments, telling them that they persecuted the prophets of God. The priests were so upset with him because he spoke the truth that they decided to cast him out and stone him to death. Stephen saw God and Jesus and asked them to receive his spirit, asking them to spare the priests the punishment for his death.
Stephen's last words impressed me because of how bold he was. He knew that what he was saying to the priests would most likely get him killed, yet he was not ashamed of telling them of their sins. He was so brave to continue on with his accusations and he also bore his testimony of God, the Savior, and the Holy Ghost by telling the priests that he saw them when the heavens opened and when he mentioned that the priests have stopped listening to the Holy Ghost. We learn from Stephen that the Godhead are three separate beings, not one being like some people think. What also impressed me was his final words, that God should not condemn the priests for killing him. What a kind heart Stephen had as to ask the Lord to forgive the men for his own murder. I could learn a lesson or two from Stephen in the act of forgiveness.
Stephen's final words are very similar to the words of Abinadi in the Book of Mormon.
Mosiah 17:7-20
Abinadi was also aware that his words would most likely get him killed, but he would not deny the words that he told the priests. He spoke boldly against them, accusing them of being wicked and disobeying God's commandments. He, like Stephen, also knew and trusted that there was a God and that He would save him in the Kingdom of God.
The testimonies of these two men give me strength and courage to stand up for what I believe. In this day and age, it wouldn't be likely that I would be killed for what I would say, but I could be ridiculed and mocked for what I believe. Because of how strong and courageous these two men were in standing up for what they believed, even unto death, then I can most definitely stand up for what I believe, even if I may get mocked. It gives me hope that there is a loving God out there that will bless me for my efforts in sharing His gospel and standing up for what I believe.
Stephen's final words are very similar to the words of Abinadi in the Book of Mormon.
Mosiah 17:7-20
Abinadi was also aware that his words would most likely get him killed, but he would not deny the words that he told the priests. He spoke boldly against them, accusing them of being wicked and disobeying God's commandments. He, like Stephen, also knew and trusted that there was a God and that He would save him in the Kingdom of God.
The testimonies of these two men give me strength and courage to stand up for what I believe. In this day and age, it wouldn't be likely that I would be killed for what I would say, but I could be ridiculed and mocked for what I believe. Because of how strong and courageous these two men were in standing up for what they believed, even unto death, then I can most definitely stand up for what I believe, even if I may get mocked. It gives me hope that there is a loving God out there that will bless me for my efforts in sharing His gospel and standing up for what I believe.
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