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55. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.57. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,58. And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.59. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Acts 7:55-59 Jesus told His followers that they would be hated because they hated Him first. And we can expect no more from this world. Steven was telling them the history of God's people from Abraham all the way up to Christ's crucifixion. And these religious people murdered Steven just as they murdered Christ. There is no doubt that Steven was favored by Christ. Before his death, he saw the heavens open and seeing Jesus and the Father. He tells those who are ready to kill him what he is seeing. And for this, they cast him out of the city and stone him. The proof he was full of God's Spirit, he was not angry he called on Jesus to receive his spirit. He knew very well at the end where he was going to spend eternity. Oh, that we all would have this confidence at the time when we leave this world, in Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.