Mentoring (Part 2)

The first martyr in the history of the Lord’s church was Stephen, a faithful preacher. The death of this faithful man is recorded more fully than the death of anyone else in the New Testament except that of Jesus.

Here is a man dying for the cause of Christ, dying by the hands of wicked men, but dying in grace and dying graciously for the glory of God. Why did Luke identify just one of Stephen's murderers?

Those who stoned Stephen "laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." I wonder if Saul was the man who examined Stephen and had been baffled by his speech when he stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:8-10)?

Here is the best part of the story of Stephen and Saul. Both of them are in glory now. One cannot help wondering how Saul felt when Stephen's smile met him at the throne! What a joyous meeting they must have had. Stephen and Saul embracing one another! But in Acts the two men are far apart. They had nothing in common. Stephen was about to die. Saul was holding the clothes of those who stoned him. Saul was proud and self-righteous. He was proud of his heritage, his learning, his works, his religious position, and his great reputation. Stephen was a broken, humbled sinner, saved by the grace of God, whose only hope was in Christ. Saul was wrapped up in himself. Stephen was wrapped up in Christ.

With all of these differences, I believe Stephen became a lasting impression on Saul. Stephen became a mentor of Saul’s even after his death. The cause of Christ, his church, his truth, and his glory were of greater value to Stephen than life itself. Stephen was gracious to the end, ever truthful, gentle, forgiving, and self-sacrificing. These were attributes and beliefs that Saul had, when he was converted, that became his life ministry.

Stephen had a significant influence on Saul (Paul) the rest of his life. We can be an influence as well. We can be a mentor to many individuals that we come in contact with each day. Our kids need positive role models. New Christians need teaching and training as well. Mentoring takes time and commitment. I appreciate the time and commitment that Stephen gave. He gave his life because he believed in the ultimate giver of life, Jesus!