I Appeal To Caesar!

hearted Stephen is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and appreciation.

The closing time of prayer is pleasant and meaningful! The older women and children surround Stephen, stretching out their hands to touch and bless him: the pleasant hum of prayer fills the meeting place as widows and children hug and thank the tearful man of God. During prayer, one of the older women perceives a vision and has a prophecy. She sees Jesus, the Heavenly Shepherd enfolding Stephen like a lamb in His arms and bearing him through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. With tears of remorse and joy, the older saint blesses the young servant of God’s people. * * * * * As Stephen leaves the gathering, a young woman rushes up to him, her face strained with worry. “Man of God!” she cries, “Please come and pray for my sister’s young daughter who is burning up with fever. The house is only a short distance away!” Stephen responds, following the unknown woman into the nearby house. He is prayerful, still overwhelmed by the gratitude and love shown him at the get-together. Entering the house, Stephen is pounced upon and overcome by three ruffians. They bind, gag and drag him to the rear of the house, and then throw him like a sack of potatoes into a waiting wagon; he is then hustled off to the Sanhedrin’s assembly hall at Herod’s Temple.