![Cigoli [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://bongodogblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cigoli_-_the_stoning_of_st_stephen_-_wga04883.jpg?w=248&h=300)
I’ve been waiting all week to find out what happened to Stephen after he was arrested.
The angels rescued him, right?
What do you mean, I have to listen to find out?
They did rescue him, didn’t they?
Okay, I’m listening.
***
Last week Stephen was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin and false witnesses were brought against him.
The high priest asked Stephen if these charges were true and Stephen gave them a speech, sharing Israel’s history and how it pointed to Jesus.
Then Stephen said, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him – you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
***
I think Stephen might have made them mad.
Yes, I’m listening.
***
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.
***
That sounds like something a dog would do.
***
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
***
Is Jesus going to send down some fish?
That would prove that Stephen saw him.
I am too listening.
***
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.
***
This doesn’t sound good.
Run Stephen, run!
***
Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
***
What do you mean, Stephen wasn’t taking a nap?
***
And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.
***
If I ever see Saul, I’ll be gnashing my teeth.
Hey, do you think Saul had something to do with those tadpoles that disappeared a couple days ago on my trails?
Person, I don’t know what you’re talking about.
![Cigoli [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://bongodogblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cigoli_-_the_stoning_of_st_stephen_-_wga04883.jpg)
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