It's Not Just the Words, It's the Example

Acts 13:15-16 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak." Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!" Thoughts for Today: If the opening line of Paul's speech sounds familiar to you, "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!", it is probably because you remember the way Stephen opened his speech of defense before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7:2 , "To this he replied: 'Brothers and fathers, listen to me!'" I don't think this is coincidental. We know that Saul (Paul's Hebrew name) was present for not only Stephen's speech but also his death by stoning. In fact it was Saul who gave the approval: Acts 7:57-8:1, "At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep. And! Saul was there, giving approval to his death." I wonder how many times Paul/Saul saw Stephen's face in his dreams. How many times Paul replayed his words over and over again in his mind and chastised himself for not listening more carefully. I know it must have been very difficult for Paul to remember that he had been directly responsible for Stephen's death. I think that is why Paul's first recorded speech so closely mirrors the wording, format, and conclusion of Stephen's -- Paul may not have intended to, but he did pay attention, he was listening. Sometimes it can be so frustrating when we know we have the answer to a friend or loved ones problem, yet they just won't listen. Paul's transformation and his speech gives me hope, that although he didn't appear to be listening to Stephen at the time, and subsequently did all the wrong things, ultimately he followed in Stephen's footsteps (including using some of his exact words). Questions to Ponder: Do you have someone in your life who just won't listen? Someone who needs Jesus but continues on their own path of destruction? Have you been persecuted or punished for trying to help them? I believe it was Stephen's prayer that stayed with Paul, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." How many times have we prayed just the opposite, "Lord, make them pay for what they're doing wrong"? Stephen modeled his faith and although it took some time, ultimately it made an impact on Paul. What kind of a model are you? Who needs your practical example not just your words?