Living Before Dying

The Legacy of Stephen, the First Martyr

“As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ 

He fell to his knees, shouting,

 ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’ 

And with that, he died.” 

Acts 7:59–60 

The Church’s first martyr was not an apostle or theologian, but a man appointed to serve tables. Stephen, chosen to help distribute food in the early church, reminds us that true faithfulness begins not in the spotlight, but in the shadows—where character is shaped, not showcased. Around the world, the gospel has most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of martyrs. But before someone can die for Christ, they must first live for Him.

In the early Church, following Jesus came at a cost. Believers—especially Jewish converts—were often cut off from their families and livelihoods. Community became their refuge. Homes, meals, and resources were shared freely, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. When complaints arose about the fair distribution of food, the apostles sought leaders “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Stephen was among them.

Yet Stephen was more than a good administrator—he was a man of profound spiritual authority. When opposition came, he responded not with defensiveness but with clarity. His speech before the Sanhedrin was not a legal defense, but a prophetic indictment. He traced Israel’s history and called out their repeated rejection of God’s messengers. He knew the cost of such truth-telling—and embraced it.

At the climax of his speech, Stephen “looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). In that moment, the risen Christ stood to welcome His servant. Stephen prayed for his executioners, and in doing so, bore the image of Christ to the end.

Dallas Willard observed, “Saints burn through the fog of this world by living in the reality of the kingdom of God.” Stephen lived in that reality. His vision wasn’t clouded by fear, popularity, or survival. His eyes were fixed on Jesus. That heavenly clarity gave him courage on earth. For Willard, the “fog” includes all the illusions of comfort, status, and self-preservation that obscure God’s presence. Stephen saw through it. He lived in such communion with God that heaven broke into view—even in death.

G. Campbell Morgan once declared, “The Church persecuted is the Church pure.” Stephen’s death did not silence the Church—it purified and propelled it. When Stephen fell, a young man named Saul watched, approving. But that memory lingered. In time, the persecutor became a preacher, and the gospel spread across the Roman world. Persecution did not extinguish the flame; it fanned it.

Stephen’s life and death continue to challenge us:

• Are we willing to be faithful in obscurity, long before we’re called to visible courage?
  
  
• Do we live with kingdom clarity, able to see Jesus even in suffering?
  
  
• Is our love for Christ strong enough to forgive enemies and speak truth with grace?
  
  

Stephen didn’t set out to be a martyr. He set out to serve. And when the moment of testing came, his life was already prepared. The first to die for Christ had already been living for Him all along.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, make us faithful like Stephen. Teach us to serve others in humility, to speak truth with boldness, and to live every moment in light of Your kingdom. Clear away the fog of fear, pride, and comfort—and fix our eyes on You. May we live in such a way that if called, we could die with joy, knowing You stand to receive us. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Thomas More

 In Life and In Death Reflecting His Poetic Vision

In the annals of history, certain individuals stand out not only for their remarkable achievements but also for the way their lives embody the very ideals and themes they espouse. Thomas More, the renowned English statesman, lawyer, and philosopher, is one such figure whose life and eventual death resonate deeply with the themes found in his poetry.

From his early days as a scholar to his rise in prominence as a statesman, Thomas More's life was marked by a steadfast commitment to his principles and unwavering dedication to his faith. His poetic vision, as expressed in his writings, reflected themes of faith, resilience, and moral integrity—themes that would come to define his life's journey.

As a young man, More's scholarly pursuits and keen intellect set him apart from his peers. His early writings revealed a deep reverence for the divine and a profound sense of moral duty. In poems such as "A Godly Meditation," More grappled with questions of faith and the human condition, exploring the complexities of spiritual growth and the transformative power of prayer.

Throughout his career in public service, More remained steadfast in his commitment to uphold justice and defend the rights of the oppressed. His unwavering integrity and moral courage earned him the respect and admiration of his contemporaries, even as he faced opposition from those in power. In many ways, More's life mirrored the themes of resilience and moral integrity found in his poetry, as he navigated the complexities of political life with grace and conviction.

More's tenure as Lord Chancellor was marked by tumultuous political and religious upheaval. King Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn led to a confrontation with the Catholic Church and the Pope. More staunchly opposed the King's actions on religious grounds, refusing to acknowledge Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

Despite his loyalty to the Catholic Church, More's refusal to swear an oath of allegiance to the King's supremacy over the Church led to his downfall. In 1532, he resigned as Lord Chancellor, and in 1534, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for his refusal to accept the Act of Supremacy. Despite facing immense pressure and even the threat of death, More remained steadfast in his beliefs, famously declaring, "I die the King's good servant, but God's first."

On July 6, 1535, Thomas More was executed by beheading for treason. His courageous stand for religious freedom and conscience made him a symbol of martyrdom and earned him sainthood in the Catholic Church. More's life and legacy continue to inspire generations, serving as a testament to the power of conviction, integrity, and moral courage in the face of tyranny and injustice.

His steadfast refusal to betray his principles, even at the cost of his own life, was a testament to the unwavering commitment to his beliefs—a commitment that echoed the themes of courage and sacrifice found in his poetry.

In his final days, as More awaited his impending execution, he found solace in prayer and reflection. In his poem "A Godly Meditation," More had written of being "content to be solitary" and finding comfort in the presence of the divine. In the solitude of his prison cell, More drew strength from his faith, finding peace in the knowledge that he had remained faithful to his convictions to the end.

On July 6, 1535, Thomas More was executed for treason, martyred for his refusal to compromise his conscience. His death was a tragic loss for the world, but it was also a testament to the enduring power of faith and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. In his life and death, Thomas More embodied the very ideals and themes he had explored in his poetry—a legacy that continues to inspire generations to this day.

In conclusion, Thomas More's life and eventual death serve as a poignant reflection of the themes and ideals found in his poetry. From his unwavering commitment to his faith to his steadfast defense of justice and moral integrity, More's life was a testament to the enduring power of faith, courage, and sacrifice. As we reflect on his legacy, may we be inspired to live with the same conviction and moral courage that defined the life of this remarkable man.

Soli Deo Gloria