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THE
KING ' S BUSINESS
Jesus as the One into whose keeping the spirits of believers depart when leaving this world. Paul says that "to depart and be with Christ Is far better." Here Is the first recorded death of the new dispensation-a death in the midst of the most unpropitious surroundings, and the Holy Spirit records It as "fall– iBg sleep!" How calm and peaceful! What a restful closing to a stormy scene! What an abundant entrance was the departure of this noble spirit into the realms of glory! We do not know the names of those who prepared his body for burial-but they were devout men; some good Jews, who had known him, perhaps, before his conversion and who had observed the wondrous power of his 0 holy life. The believers had been scattered and he had no Christian burial, but the Holy Spirit will watch over the ashes of Stephen and when the Lord shall re– turn, In His glory, the scattered dust shall be gathered and glorified and we shall see Stephen, as he that day saw his Lord-risen and glorified. PERTINENT QUESTIONS (1) What promise did Jesus make concerning wisdom !or the worker? (Luke 21:15) ( 2) What Is the greatest wonder in connection with our faith, as be– lievers? (Rom. 8: 11) ( 3) What is the work of the Holy Spirit In the world? (John 16:- 7-11) ( 4) What was the first radio mes– sage from H eaven? (Matt. 3: 16, 1 7) ( 5) Why did the J ews hate the
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does Scripture speak of such men? ( 2 Pet. 2:11-14) ~ ~ the
Stephen stands at the head of the number of deacons and also Is the first of the noble army of the martyrs. An Interesting analogy may be traced be- tween Christ and DEVOTIONAL Stephen In twelve COl\fllfENT Dr. 1''. W. Farr particulars. 1. Both were as– slgn~d to a lowly position. Jesus was a carpenter. Stephen was a waiter, Acts 6: 2. 2. By the Holy Rplrlt each rises above his position. 3. By the Holy Spirit both speak Irresistibly. 4. By the Holy Spirit both exhibit the glory properly belonging to human– ity. Matt. 17: 2; Acts 6 : 15. 5. Both are charged with speaking against the temple. 6. Each one has false witnesses brought against him. 7. Each one forgave his enemies. 8. Each one commended his spirit to God. 9. Each one maintained the J ewish dispensation to be typical and temporal. 10. Each one sealed his witness with his death. 11. The death of each brought an end to a period of testimony to the Jews. 12. The martyrdom of each was Im– possible until the appointed end had come. The martyrdom of Stephen had less excuse than the crucifixion of Christ because of four prominent points of contrast. 1. Jesus made no defense. Throughout his trial he held his peace. In the face of repeated accusations he answered nothing. Stephen on the other hand made a masterly defense and by unanswerable arguments si– lenced his accusers.
testimony of Stephen concern– ing Christ? (Matt. 24:9; John 17:14) Did Saul of Tarsus consent to this dastardly deed? (Acts 8:1) Why did he do this? (1 Tim. 1:13)
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