Can you imagine yourself in Stephen’s situation? From among the thousands of Christians in the city, the Christians in Jerusalem had chosen him and six other men to serve in a very special way (Acts 6:1-6). The apostles themselves had appointed him to his new work as one of the deacons. Along with the other six men, it was his responsibility to supply food to poor widows every day; and he had to be careful to do it in a way that was fair for all of them. His faithfulness in this work helped lighten the load of responsibilities that the apostles were carrying. It helped them give their full attention to teaching and preaching the Word of God. As a result, many more people were led to Christ (Acts 6:7).
Now, the enemies of the truth were throwing stones at Stephen (Acts 7:57-59). The pain was terrible, and death was near. He had served God well in relieving the suffering of other people, but God did not choose to spare Stephen from suffering and death at the hands of these wicked men.
It is reported that an atheist once asked a Christian, “If there is a God, why didn’t He help Stephen when his enemies stoned him to death?” The Christian replied, “God did help Stephen—by giving him the grace to pray for his murderers.”
The Lord does not promise to totally protect Christians from all problems and pains on earth. Sometimes, He does remove the trouble, and yet, at other times, God lets the trouble remain and provides His grace to help us endure (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The stones of enemies were able to destroy Stephen’s physical body, but they were not able to destroy his faith and love. In his dying moment, “…he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep [died]” (Acts 7:60).
God did not abandon Stephen. At the end of time, God will raise Stephen from death and bring him to His home in Heaven to live forever. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). God does promise to totally protect Christians forever in Heaven. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
