Stephen Forgives His Persecutors

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for preaching about Jesus. As the stones flew, he fell to his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." His last words echoed Jesus' own prayer on the cross. Saul (who later became Paul) was present and consenting to Stephen's death. Stephen's forgiveness likely planted a seed in Saul's heart, later leading to his own conversion. Forgiveness can plant seeds of hope even in the hardest hearts.