I Appeal To Caesar!

Frowning, Saul recalls being bested several times by this younger Torah-teaching brother of the Faith. The Jewish followers of Jesus in those Greek-speaking synagogues, Saul reflects, did continue doing all those things expected of the children of Abraham and Moses; yet, how could they make a common Galilean Jew into some kind of Messiah-God! Stephen’s proof texts for proving Jesus as Messiah had been as flawless a presentation as any Saul had heard. Why could they have not been close friends? Both had the fire of Scripture burning within; both did not discount Moses and the law. Stephen’s convictions were deep and real. He seemed to know the God of Scripture in such an intimate way! Such an experience was foreign to Saul; his focus was the performance of the Law, not inner spiritual change. Saul recalls the shining countenance of the Christian who prayed for his executioners. Saul considers himself serious and religious, but Stephen displayed something personal that Saul himself desperately craves. He would like to have a spiritual reality, a sure knowledge of eternity. Saul knows that he has not experienced these things in spite of all his study and devoted efforts. Saul cannot shake from his mind how Stephen prayed for his executioners! What a magnificent, heartfelt prayer; similar, Saul realizes, to that of Jesus when dying on the Cross. “Imagine praying like that while dying!”

Saul’s mind is overwhelmed with questions. * * * * *