Saint Stephen, The First Martyr

6:8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

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7:54Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears, then rushed at him with one accord. 58They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”

2Bow down your ear to me.

Deliver me speedily.

Be to me a strong rock,

a house of defense to save me.

3For you are my rock and my fortress,

therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

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5Into your hand I commend my spirit.

You redeem me, LORD, God of truth.

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7I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness,

for you have seen my affliction.

You have known my soul in adversities.

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15My times are in your hand.

Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

16Make your face to shine on your servant.

Save me in your loving kindness.

17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. 18Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. 19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. 20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.