Living and Dying Like Jesus — Acts 6:8–7:60
Oct 7, 2026 7
If you had only one day left to live, how would you spend it? Stephen’s final moments show us what living and dying like Jesus looks like: speaking his truth, trusting him with our lives, and praying for those who oppose us.
Acts 7:59–60
[59] And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” [60] And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (ESV)
Speaking the truth about Jesus
Stephen was one of the Seven chosen to serve the church (see yesterday’s devotion on Acts 6:1-7). Full of grace and power, he did great wonders and spoke with wisdom that his opponents could not withstand. They responded with false accusations and brought him before the council (Acts 6:8-15).
As you read through Acts 7, you’ll hear Stephen walk through the storyline of the Bible. God’s people had repeatedly rejected those he sent to them. Now his hearers had betrayed and killed Jesus, the Righteous One (Acts 7:51-53).
Stephen knew the Scriptures and spoke the truth, even when it cost him. As we listen to God’s word, we too learn to speak about Jesus and live as his followers.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Living and dying like Jesus
The council’s fury becomes violence. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand (Acts 7:54-56). The Saviour he has proclaimed is alive and reigning.
As the stones fall, Stephen entrusts his spirit to Jesus. Then he prays for the people killing him.
Sounds familiar, right? His prayers echo Jesus’ words from the cross (see Luke 23:34, 46).
How can he pray like that? Stephen knows that his own sin has been dealt with through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He has been forgiven. Even as he dies, he longs for his attackers to know forgiveness too.
Living and dying like Jesus flows from knowing Jesus and the grace he gives.
The Good News is…
The Jesus who received Stephen is the Saviour we can trust. He died in our place, for our sin, and rose again, offering forgiveness and life beyond the grave to everyone who trusts in him.
We do not know how long we have left. But we know the one to whom we belong. Because Jesus has forgiven us and holds our future, we can spend the days he gives us speaking about him, following him and extending forgiveness to others.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 6:8-7:60.
Reflection
Pray that God’s Spirit will help you trust Jesus with your future and reflect his forgiveness in the way you treat others.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited