Good morning. Today is Saturday, July 18th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Luke 6:40

Stephen only appears in two chapters of the Bible (Acts 6–7), yet his story is unforgettable.

The early church was growing so quickly that the apostles needed help caring for widows. They asked the church to choose seven men who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Stephen was the first one chosen. The Bible says he was “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) and “full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8).

As Stephen boldly shared the good news about Jesus, some religious leaders argued with him. But Acts 6:10 says “they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him.” Since they couldn’t defeat his message, they spread false accusations and brought him before the very same Jewish council that had condemned Jesus.

Does that sound familiar?

Stephen stood before the council just as Jesus had. He was falsely accused just as Jesus had been. But instead of defending himself, Stephen boldly pointed everyone to Jesus as the promised Messiah (Acts 7:51–53).

The crowd became furious.

Then Stephen looked into heaven and saw “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55–56). They dragged him outside the city and began stoning him.

His final words sound familiar too.

Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60).

Just like Jesus, Stephen chose forgiveness over revenge.

Luke seems to tell Stephen’s story in a way that reminds us of Jesus’ own suffering. Not because Stephen was Jesus, but because he had become so much like Him.

Jesus once said, “Everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40).

Stephen is a beautiful picture of that truth.

Following Jesus isn’t just about knowing His teachings. It’s about becoming more like Him. As we spend time with Christ, our words, our actions, and even the way we respond when life is hardest should begin to look more and more like His.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, thank You for Your love and for Jesus.

Confession: Forgive me when I fail to reflect Christ.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Stephen’s faithful example.

Supplication: Make me more like Jesus today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“What if I told you?” by for KING + COUNTRY

Go like, comment, and share!

Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God