Emphasis Preaching Journal
Lord, do not hold this...
Illustration
"Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Stephen dies with this prayer on his lips,
knowing that God is a God of forgiveness. His killers' cloaks are held by Saul of Tarsus,
who watches this martyrdom from a safe distance, and perhaps wonders at the words of
forgiveness that usher from the mouth of a troublemaker. More than a bystander, but less
than a murderer, Saul stands in need of forgiveness from God.
One wonders if Saul, who becomes Paul, often reflected upon this day when Stephen died and upon his need for God's loving forgiveness.
One wonders if Saul, who becomes Paul, often reflected upon this day when Stephen died and upon his need for God's loving forgiveness.
