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I. THE MAN. The form of his name would indicate that he was a Hellenist; that is, a Jew born among the Gentiles, speaking the Greek language, tits name also signifies a crown.

1. He was versed in the Scriptures. "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart." Cranmer and Ridley learned the New Testament by heart. They also saw its truths in relation to present duties of life. This was the case of the first Christian martyr. He exposed the false view of the Jews toward the temple and the law. "They were cut to the heart," or, literally, they were sawn asunder in their hearts. It was not one staggering blow which did the work. The truth, laden with rebukes, was gradually making its way through their hearts, The personal application completed the work.

2. Stephen was spiritually enlightened. "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven." We may not all have the privilege of Stephen to look into heaven in this life, but the Holy Spirit furnishes enlightening power. Spiritual breadth of vision follows. That creates confidence. Moses endured, seeing Him who is invisible; and the angel of God revealed himself unto Paul, saying, "Fear not." Here was the basis of Stephen's confidence. Facts of the visible world were newly impressed upon him. We see things here from a short range. Hence mystery and perplexity arise. He is sustained by a higher power, and looks with joy to the end.

3. He possessed a forgiving spirit. "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." This prayer is without a parallel outside of Biblical history and its influence. , , Seneca, and other Gentile writers hinted at the golden rule in a partial or negative form. But praying for one's enemies has thus far been discovered only in the Bible and in the line of its influence. The Cross first brings it to view.

II. STEPHEN WITNESSING TO THE TRUTH.

1. He witnessed that God's presence and favour were not limited to any set place. Stephen taught that God's presence was not limited to a favoured few. This was one link in the chain which drew away Christians from Jewish rites. The disciples loved the temple. Who could blame them? Here Jesus gave some of His choicest revelations. But lingering amid the incense and smoking sacrifices too long they may bind these practices, only belonging to the past, on the new society, and fetter its future course. They were providentially thrust out into new fields, as we may be, by apparent disasters, to secure in the end the best results.

2. Stephen bore witness that Christ had been elevated to glory and power. "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God." Stephen was the first to bear witness to the fact of seeing Christ after His ascension. Paul and John were granted such visions later (Acts 9:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Revelation 1:12-17). Perhaps such witnessing was needed to encourage the early Church. It made visible things appear as a positive reality. It also confirmed Stephen's teaching. Christ had taught that spiritual worship anywhere was pleasing to the Father. It would follow that a peculiar privilege had been granted to Stephen. Any rabbi might have coveted it. The glory of God had appeared to him as well as Abraham and to Moses. If his face had shone like that of an angel, his words now had a heavenly support.

3. Stephen bore witness that Jesus receives His people after death. He did not formally affirm this fact, but prayed to Jesus to receive his spirit; or, in bold literalness, "Take my spirit by the hand."

(J. H. Allen.)

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KJV: When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

WEB: Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.