Eyes Fixed on Jesus 👀

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56

Hey friends 👋

We’re continuing through Acts, so open your Bible and study along with me. 📖

Stephen continues recounting Israel’s history

showing how God remained faithful

even when His people repeatedly rejected Him.

Verses 37–50

Stephen reminds the council that Moses said,

“God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.” (v. 37)

Yet Israel rejected Moses

and “in their hearts they turned to Egypt.” (v. 39)

They made a golden calf

and “revelled in what their own hands had made.” (v. 41) 🐂

Stephen then turns to the tabernacle and temple.

Quoting the prophet, he reminds them,

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” (v. 49)

God cannot be reduced to something made by human hands! 🙌

Verses 51–53

Stephen then speaks directly to the council:

“You stiff-necked people!

Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised.

You are just like your ancestors:

You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (v. 51) 🔥

Their ancestors rejected God’s messengers

and now they had betrayed and murdered the Righteous One. (v. 52)

Verses 54–60 - The council became furious!

But Stephen, “full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven

and saw the glory of God,

and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (v. 55) ✨

As they dragged him away and began to stone him, Stephen prayed,

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (v. 59)

Then, even toward those killing him, he cried,

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (v. 60) ❤️

Stephen’s circumstances were terrifying

but his eyes were fixed on Jesus.

And there stood Christ

glorious, reigning, and worthy of everything Stephen had given Him 👑

When following Jesus becomes costly,

may we remember where Stephen looked.

Not toward the crowd.

Not toward his circumstances.

He looked to Jesus ✝️