"Brothers and fathers... hear me now..." Word spread fast, disciples multiplied Hellenist widows neglected, justice denied Twelve declared, "Preach we must—choose seven to serve" Stephen, full of faith and Spirit, rose with fervent nerve Wonders and signs blazed from his hand Freedmen, Cyrenians rose to withstand Couldn’t match his wisdom, turned to deceit False witnesses cried, "Blasphemy—defeat!" Crowd enraged, elders seized him tight Dragged to the council in the heat of night Seized and dragged before the council’s throne! Taken captive, falsely charged, alone! Face like an angel, blazing through their hate Stephen stands unbroken, seals his fate! Stiff-necked! Resist the Holy Ghost! Slay the prophets—now betray the Most! Stephen testified: God of glory called Abraham from Mesopotamia's plain "Leave your land, your kin—go where I ordain" Settled Haran, then to Canaan led No inheritance, yet promise to his seed Enslaved four hundred years, then judgment fell God delivered, covenant sealed with circumcision's spell Isaac born, then Jacob, twelve patriarchs came Jealous brothers sold Joseph into Egypt's shame God raised Joseph high through famine's dark night Ruler over Egypt, saved his kin outright Israel multiplied, new king arose unaware Oppressed them cruelly, infants slain in despair Moses born beautiful, raised in Pharaoh's court Mighty in word and deed, yet struck the foe in sport Rejected by his own—"Who made you judge?" they cried Fled to Midian forty years, then bush aflame, God replied: "I AM" sent him back as ruler and redeemer true Led them out with signs, Red Sea, wilderness through But they rebelled, thrust him aside, turned to calf and stars Idols of hand, Moloch, Rephan—God gave them over to scars Tabernacle followed Joshua into the land they claimed David sought a house, Solomon built—yet God cannot be tamed Heaven His throne, earth His footstool—He dwells not in stone! "You stiff-necked! Hearts uncircumcised! Always resist the Spirit—prophets sacrificed! Law from angels—you broke it every way Betrayed and murdered the Righteous today!" They gnashed their teeth, stopped their ears, rushed as one Cast him outside the city, stones beneath the sun Cloaks at young Saul’s feet, blood on the ground "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"—final sound "Forgive them, Lord!"—then he fell asleep Behold! The heavens opened wide! Son of Man stands at the Father’s right side! Stephen sleeps... the word will rise! Martyr’s cry echoes to the skies!
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