This week, I studied Acts 1-18. I think that is was the first time I have really read and paid attention to this block of scripture. I was impressed with the story of Stephen. Stephen was called to assist the apostles. In this calling, "Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." (Acts 6:8) When people were being blasphemous and speaking against Moses's teachings, he recounted the teachings and actions of Moses. Then, he rebuked the people saying, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." (Acts 7:51) This made the crowd more angry. For retribution, they kicked him out of the city and stoned him. As he was being stoned, he called out to God. Most impressive to me were his final words. He said, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60)
This is really all we know about Stephen, but there is so much to learn from him. First of all, in a time when Christ's followers were being dispersed and persecuted, Stephen accepted a calling to assist the apostles. I have to believe that this was a act of bravery. He knew that by following them and serving with them, he was in danger. Second, he was willing to speak up for the truth knowing that the majority did not believe in what he was teaching. Finally, as he died he sought forgiveness for those who were killing him.
When looking at Stephen's bravery, we can ask ourselves if we would be willing to put ourselves in these situations. In 2 Nephi 25:26 we learn, "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." As we teach our children, we can teach others around us as well. One of the best ways to teach of Christ is by being a good example to everyone around us. If we do not act in accordance to what we are teaching, no one will listen to what we have to say. Along with behaving in accordance to Christ's teachings, we should speak freely about Christ. In his talk, We Talk of Christ, Elder Neil L. Anderson says, "Be more open on social media in talking about your trust in Christ. Most will respect your faith..." He also tells us to tell people about our experiences from attending church when we are asked about our weekend. He reminds us that we do not need to expect our conversation to lead to the person coming to church or meeting with missionaries right away. When we set the example and put aside our fears, we can teach about the gospel as Stephen did.
Stephen seeking forgiveness for those who were actively killing him shows how Christlike he was. When Christ was hanging on the cross and in pain, He called out to his father saying, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) Most of us have a hard time forgiving someone who has said something mean to us or about us. Both Stephen and Jesus forgave the people who were taking their lives and asked God to forgive them as well. This is a trait that would be worth trying to develop to help bring us peace and show love for everyone.
Stephen was a remarkable man. We know little about him, but from the two chapters that talk about him, we can learn some very important messages.
