Saint Stephen, The First Martyr

6:8Then Stephen, filled with grace and fortitude, wrought great signs and miracles among the people. 9But certain ones, from the synagogue of the so-called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those who were from Cilicia and Asia rose up and were disputing with Stephen. 10But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

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7:54Then, upon hearing these things, they were deeply wounded in their hearts, and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55But he, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazing intently toward heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” 56Then they, crying out with a loud voice, blocked their ears and, with one accord, rushed violently toward him. 57And driving him out, beyond the city, they stoned him. And witnesses placed their garments beside the feet of a youth, who was called Saul. 58And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 59Then, having been brought to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his murder.

3Incline your ear to me. Hasten to rescue me. Be for me a protector God and a house of refuge, so as to accomplish my salvation.

4For you are my strength and my refuge; and for the sake of your name, you will lead me and nourish me.

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6Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.

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8I will exult and rejoice in your mercy. For you have looked upon my humility; you have saved my soul from needfulness.

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16My fate is in your hands. Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who are persecuting me.

17Shine your face upon your servant. Save me in your mercy.

17But beware of men. For they will hand you over to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. 18And you shall be led before both rulers and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not choose to think about how or what to speak. For what to speak shall be given to you in that hour. 20For it is not you who will be speaking, but the Spirit of your Father, who will speak in you. 21And brother will hand over brother to death, and father will hand over son. And children will rise up against parents and bring about their deaths. 22And you will be hated by all for the sake of my name. But whoever will have persevered, even to the end, the same shall be saved.