COTR Magazine June 2013 | Page 23

runningjoyouslytotelgoodnewstohisfriends . Stephenlaughedand watchedhim foramoment . Thenhefeltafirm handgriphisshoulder . The handspunhim around , andStephenwasfacedwithafrowningmobofcitizens . Eldersandscribesstoodtowardsthebackofthecrowd , glaringicily athim .

“ Greetings , brethren !” Stephensaid . A mannearhim struckStephenonthecheek .“ Wearenotyourbrothers ,” he growled .

Thecrowdadvanced , calingangrycurses . Stephenbackedup , but wasgrabbedbyhandsfrom alsides . Theyshovedhim roughly , causinghim totripandfalonhisface . Sharprockscuthim anddustflewintohiseyes andmouth . Menleaptonhim , tyingropesaroundhishandsandwaistand kickinghim violently . Stephengrimacedandarchedhisbackinpainasa particularlyheavyblowhithim . Encouraged , moremenjoinedin , puling theropesonStephen ’ swristsuntiltheycutlikeknivesandstrikinghim re- peatedly .

A burlyyoungmanwalkedtothecenterofthechaosandbeganpuling menoffofStephen . HegrabbedtheropearoundStephen ’ swaistandhauled him up , causingStephentogaspastheairwaspushedoutofhislungs .

IgnoringStephen ’ spitifulwheezes , thehuskymandraggedStephen alongbehindhim ashewalkedtowardtheelder ’ scouncilhouse . Theelders andscribesstoodarespectfuldistancefrom therowdycrowd , andnoddedat theyoungmandraggingStephen .

Stephenswunghislegs , finalygotthem underneathhim , andthenstood . Hewipedhisbloodyliponhisshoulderandstraightenedup , wondering whathewasbeingaccusedofthistime .

“ Thismanneverceasestospeakwordsagainstthisholyplaceandthe law ,” asupposedwitnessyeled ,“ forwehaveheardhim saythatthisJesus ofNazarethwildestroythisplace , andwilchangethecustomswhich Mosesdeliveredtous !"

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