Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit" (Luke 23. 46). "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). I. FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERING. II. FELLOWSHIP OF VISION. III. FELLOWSHIP OF PITY. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." IV. FELLOWSHIP OF ATTITUDE. With hounding might and "loud" voices the last enemy was confronted and destroyed. V. FELLOWSHIP OF BURIAL. Devout duty to the dead. This is the work of the living. Let us bury our friends reverently. They have an undying history. Let us bury our friends sympathetically. They ask a brother's interest. Let us bury our friends hopefully. They have a lasting destiny.Lessons: 1. This precious coincidence is surely not accidental. 2. Here is a proof of the true humanity of Jesus Christ. We wonder less that Stephen was like the Saviour than that the Saviour was so like Stephen. 3. How completely one are the Lord and His people! "Thou shalt be with Me." With Him heaven is not only near, but accessible. 4. Fellowship with Jesus Christ in life is the surest guarantee of His presence in death. (H. T. Miller.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.WEB: They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" |
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