Acts 7: ⁵¹ (The apostle Stephen said to the high priest) “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. ⁵³ You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.” 

In one sense it’s not a surprise Stephen was stoned to death in response to this tongue-lashing given to the religious authorities. It’s a verbal 2×4 of truth. That said, I am surprised Stephen lost his life for telling what is essentially the same story Peter told in Acts chapter 3, to which the people responded with repentance rather than violence.

Lord if the truth about my sin and brokenness were spoken in public I would have to hide my face. Give me grace to repent when confronted with my shortcomings, that I might be restored to you. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.