007:053 you who received the Law given through angels, and yet have
not obeyed it."
007:054 As they listened to these words, they became infuriated
and gnashed their teeth at him.
007:055 But, full of the Holy Spirit and looking up to Heaven, Stephen saw
the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand.
007:056 "I can see Heaven wide open," he said, "and the Son of Man
standing at God's right hand."
007:057 Upon this, with a loud outcry they stopped their ears,
rushed upon Stephen in a body,
007:058 dragged him out of the city, and stoned him, the witnesses
throwing off their outer garments and giving them into the care
of a young man called Saul.
007:059 So they stoned Stephen, while he prayed, "Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit."
007:060 Then, rising on his knees, he cried aloud, "Lord, do not reckon
this sin against them." And with these words he fell asleep.
008:001 And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great
persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem,
and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout
Judaea and Samaria.
008:002 A party of devout men, however, buried Stephen, and made loud
lamentation over him.
008:003 But Saul cruelly harassed the Church. He went into house
after house, and, dragging off both men and women,
threw them into prison.
008:004 Those, however, who were scattered abroad went from place
to place spreading the Good News of God's Message;
008:005 while Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed
Christ there.