Christ Stood up for Stephen

“Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”

When Stephen stood up for Christ, Christ stood up from His throne in heaven.

“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 coats 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.” [2]

This scene has been repeated innumerable times in innumerable ways since that day. “The world was not worthy of them.” [3] Heaven rejoices over them: “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’” [4]

Christ stood up for Stephen.

[1] Acts 7:55-56
[2] Acts 7:57-60
[3] Hebrews 11:38
[4] Revelation 14:13