Stephen offends the people by telling them they are stiff necked and missing the Holy Spirit and disobedient. He sees a vision of Jesus, and— That’s It. Gnashing teeth and pulling ears, they drag Stephen out of town and stone him. Saul looks on approvingly and continues persecuting the church.

The vision part stands out to me. Like when Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water while his eyes are fixed on Jesus, Stephen maintains his focus despite his reasons to fear. His focus is on God. Let me worry less about what’s fluctuating around me or uncertain or threatening and remember the one who is solid holding it all together and loving us in the midst of it