Key Thought

Today's Prayer

Father, speak through me and use me by the power of your Holy Spirit, to your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Many thousands of people came together. There were so many people that they were stepping on each other. Before Jesus spoke to the people, he said to his followers, "Be careful of the yeast of the Pharisees. I mean that they are hypocrites. Everything that is hidden will be shown. Everything that is secret will be made known. The things you say in the dark (secretly) will be told in the light (openly). The things you whisper in a private room will be shouted from the top of the house." Then Jesus said to the people, "I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of people. People can kill the body, but after that they can do nothing more to hurt you. I will show you the One to fear. You should fear him (God) who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, he is the One you should fear. "When birds are sold, five small birds cost only two pennies. But God does not forget any of them. Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many birds. "I tell you, if any person stands before other people and is willing to say that he believes in me, then I will say that person belongs to me. I will say this before the angels of God. But if any person stands before people and says he does not believe in me, then I will say that person does not belong to me. I will say this before the angels of God. "If a person says something against the Son of Man, he can be forgiven. But a person that says bad things against (refuses to accept) the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. "When men bring you into the synagogues before the leaders and other important men, don't worry about what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say."

Related Scripture Readings

But the Holy Spirit will come to you. Then you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—{you will tell people about me}. First, you will tell people in Jerusalem. Then you will tell people in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world."

And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid! Lord, we are your servants. Help us to speak the things you want us to say without fear. Help us to be brave by showing us your power: make sick people well, give proofs, and make miracles happen by the power of Jesus, your holy servant." After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak God's message without fear.

Stephen (one of the seven men) received a great blessing. God gave Stephen power to do miracles and to show proofs from God to the people. But some Jews came and argued with Stephen. These Jews were from a synagogue. It was called a synagogue for Libertines. (This synagogue was also for Jews from Cyrene, and for Jews from Alexandria.) Jews from Cilicia and Asia were with them. They all came and argued with Stephen. But the Spirit was helping Stephen speak with wisdom. His words were so strong that the Jews could not argue with him.