COTR Magazine June 2013 | Page 24

Gaspsechoedthroughtheroom , folowedbyangrymutteringsandcold glancesthrownatStephen .

Stephenclosedhiseyesandsmiled . Hewonderedwheretheyhadgotten thiswitness . Didhehavetomemorizethespeechbeforeentering ? Ordidthe elderscoachhim from thebackoftheroom ? Hmm … thiswasjustlikethe deathofJesus . Thearrest , thefalsewitnesses …

“ Isthisso ?” thevoiceofthehighpriestinterruptedStephen ’ sthoughts .

Stephengazedatthepriest , andsuddenlyfeltafireburninginhissoul . Hisfaceradiated , andbeforehecouldstoptothink , wordswereflying .

" Brethrenandfathers , hearme !” jumpedoutofStephen ’ smouth , andthen hefoundhimselfspeakingoftheirfathers , from Abraham andhistravels , to Josephandhiscoat , toMosesandtheCommandments . Then , rageboiledin him ashethoughtoftheSaviorandwhattheyhaddonetoHim .

“ Youstiff-neckedpeople ,” hesaid ,“ youalwaysresisttheHolySpirit ! Asyourfathersdid , sodoyou . Whichoftheprophetsdidnotyourfathers persecute ? Andtheykiledthosewhoannouncedbeforehandthecomingof theRighteousOne , whom youhavenowbetrayedandmurdered , youwho receivedthelawasdeliveredbyangelsanddidnotkeepit !”

Theelders ’ faceswentcrimsonandtheygroundtheirteethaudibly . The scribesglaredatStephen , clenchingandunclenchingtheirfists . The peopleglancedatthehighpriest , waitingforhiswords . However , Stephen wasfuloftheHolySpiritandhegazedup .

" Behold ,” hesaid ,“ Iseetheheavensopened , andtheSonofman standingattherighthandofGod !”

Nolongerwaitingforthehighpriest , thepeople , elders , andscribescoveredtheirearsandrusheduponStephen . Stephenfelundertheforceof thecharge , buttheydraggedhim withthem astheyranoutofthecity yeling . ~ 23 ~