31. Stephen – First Christian Martyr

📖 Acts 7:59–60 (KJV)
"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

📜 Context:
Stephen was one of the first deacons chosen in the early church. Full of faith and power, he boldly preached the gospel, which angered the religious leaders. After giving a powerful defense of the faith, he was stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Stephen’s death marked the beginning of persecution against the church, scattering believers and spreading the gospel. Saul (later Paul) witnessed Stephen’s death.

Interesting Facts About Stephen:

• He was one of the seven chosen to serve the early church (Acts 6:5).
   
• He performed great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8).
   
• His speech before the Sanhedrin is one of the longest in Acts (Acts 7).
   
• He had a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56).
   
• He forgave his killers while dying, echoing Jesus' own words.
   
• His name means "crown."
   
• His martyrdom planted seeds for Paul’s later conversion.

📖 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

📜 Context:
Timothy was a young believer from Lystra with a Jewish mother and Greek father. He became one of Paul’s most trusted companions and a leader in the early church. Paul mentored him, encouraging him to remain strong despite his youth and challenges.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Timothy led churches and received two personal letters from Paul that form part of the New Testament. He faithfully served as a pastor and teacher of the gospel.

Interesting Facts About Timothy:

• His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois passed on their faith to him (2 Timothy 1:5).
   
• He joined Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1–3).
   
• He was entrusted to oversee the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3).
   
• Paul addressed him with deep affection, calling him "my own son in the faith."
   
• He had health issues, as Paul advised him to take a little wine for his stomach (1 Timothy 5:23).
   
• He is listed as co-author in several of Paul’s letters (e.g., 2 Corinthians, Philippians).
   
• He remained faithful until the end of Paul’s life.

📖 Acts 11:24 (KJV)
"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."

📜 Context:
Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," played a crucial role in the early church. He welcomed Paul when others feared him, helped lead the church in Antioch, and traveled on missionary journeys with Paul.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Though Barnabas and Paul later parted ways over a disagreement, he continued to serve faithfully, mentoring John Mark and strengthening churches.

Interesting Facts About Barnabas:

• His real name was Joseph; Barnabas was a nickname given by the apostles (Acts 4:36).
   
• He sold land and gave the money to the church (Acts 4:37).
   
• He vouched for Paul after his conversion (Acts 9:27).
   
• He helped establish the church in Antioch (Acts 11:22–26).
   
• He traveled with Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 13).
   
• He was a cousin of John Mark, whom he defended after Paul rejected him (Colossians 4:10).
   
• His legacy is one of generosity, reconciliation, and discipleship.

📖 Genesis 26:24 (KJV)
"And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake."

📜 Context:
Isaac was the long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, born when they were old. He was part of God’s covenant promise and the father of Esau and Jacob.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Isaac passed on the covenant blessing to Jacob, continuing the lineage through which the Messiah would come.

Interesting Facts About Isaac:

• His name means “laughter” because Sarah laughed when told she’d have a child (Genesis 18:12).
   
• He was nearly sacrificed by Abraham in obedience to God (Genesis 22).
   
• Isaac married Rebekah, who became the mother of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 24).
   
• He re-dug the wells of his father Abraham (Genesis 26).
   
• Isaac favored Esau, but Rebekah helped Jacob receive the blessing (Genesis 27).
   
• He lived longer than Abraham or Jacob—180 years (Genesis 35:28).
   
• He is one of the patriarchs mentioned in God's covenant formula: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

📖 Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

📜 Context:
Jeremiah was called by God from a young age to be a prophet to Judah, warning of impending judgment and the fall of Jerusalem.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Despite facing rejection, imprisonment, and sorrow, Jeremiah faithfully delivered God’s word. His prophecies were fulfilled with the Babylonian exile.

Interesting Facts About Jeremiah:

• Known as “the weeping prophet” for his grief over Judah’s sins.
   
• Authored both the Book of Jeremiah and Lamentations.
   
• He was forbidden by God to marry (Jeremiah 16:2).
   
• Prophesied during the reigns of five kings (Josiah to Zedekiah).
   
• Survived multiple threats on his life for preaching truth (Jeremiah 38).
   
• Witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
   
• His message included both judgment and future hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

📖 2 Kings 2:9 (KJV)
"And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."

📜 Context:
Elisha was called by God through Elijah and followed him faithfully. Upon Elijah’s departure to heaven, Elisha took up his mantle and performed powerful miracles.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Elisha became the prophet in Israel, performing twice as many miracles as Elijah, including healings, multiplying oil, and even raising the dead.

Interesting Facts About Elisha:

• Called while plowing, he left everything to follow Elijah (1 Kings 19:19–21).
   
• His first miracle was parting the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:14).
   
• He purified water and healed land (2 Kings 2:21).
   
• Multiplied a widow’s oil to save her family (2 Kings 4:1–7).
   
• Raised the Shunammite woman’s son from the dead (2 Kings 4:35).
   
• Healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy (2 Kings 5).
   
• Even after his death, a man revived when touching his bones (2 Kings 13:21).

Image: Elisha at age he took over from Elijah

📖 Exodus 28:1 (KJV)
"And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office..."

📜 Context:
Aaron was chosen by God to serve as the first high priest of Israel. He was Moses’ spokesman during the Exodus and led in worship and sacrifice.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Though Aaron made serious mistakes (including the golden calf), God still used him to institute the priesthood and intercede for the people.

Interesting Facts About Aaron:

• Served as Moses’ spokesman before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:14–16).
   
• Performed miracles with his staff (Exodus 7:9–12).
   
• Was responsible for making the golden calf (Exodus 32:1–4).
   
• His rod budded as a sign of God’s choice (Numbers 17:8).
   
• Became the first high priest (Exodus 28:1).
   
• Died on Mount Hor (Numbers 20:28).
   
• His garments symbolized holiness and intercession (Exodus 28).

📖 Judges 13:24–25 (KJV)
"And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him..."

📜 Context:
Samson was a Nazirite chosen by God before birth. Known for his strength, he judged Israel during a time of Philistine oppression.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Despite moral failings and personal weakness, Samson’s final act of faith led to a great victory over Israel’s enemies.

Interesting Facts About Samson:

• His strength came from his Nazirite vow (Judges 13:5).
   
• Killed a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:6).
   
• Defeated 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:15).
   
• Fell in love with Delilah, who betrayed him (Judges 16).
   
• Lost his strength when his hair was cut (Judges 16:19).
   
• Prayed to God and pulled down the Philistine temple (Judges 16:30).
   
• Mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith (Hebrews 11:32).

📖 Judges 6:12 (KJV)
"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour."

📜 Context:
Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Despite fear and self-doubt, he obeyed and led a miraculous military victory.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Gideon reduced his army from 32,000 to 300 men and defeated the Midianites by God’s power alone.

Interesting Facts About Gideon:

• Threshed wheat in secret to avoid Midianites (Judges 6:11).
   
• Asked for confirmation through the fleece (Judges 6:36–40).
   
• Destroyed his father’s altar to Baal (Judges 6:25–27).
   
• Led 300 men armed with trumpets and torches (Judges 7:16–22).
   
• Refused kingship but made an ephod that became a snare (Judges 8:23–27).
   
• Mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith (Hebrews 11:32).
   
• His name was changed to Jerubbaal after opposing Baal worship (Judges 6:32).

📖 Nehemiah 2:17 (KJV)
"Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach."

📜 Context:
Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to the Persian king, heard of Jerusalem’s broken condition. He sought permission, returned, and led the Jews in rebuilding the city walls amidst strong opposition.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Despite opposition from enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah completed the wall in just 52 days and instituted reforms to restore proper worship and justice in Judah.

Interesting Facts About Nehemiah

• He prayed and fasted before speaking to the king (Nehemiah 1:4–11).
   
• Artaxerxes granted him permission to rebuild (Nehemiah 2:1–8).
   
• Faced intense mockery and threats from surrounding enemies (Nehemiah 4:1–3).
   
• Armed workers worked with tools in one hand and weapons in the other (Nehemiah 4:17).
   
• Completed the wall in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
   
• Instituted spiritual reforms with Ezra (Nehemiah 8–10).
   
• Displayed integrity and refused to exploit his leadership position (Nehemiah 5:14–19).

📖 Ezra 7:10 (KJV)
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

📜 Context:
Ezra, a devout priest and skilled scribe, was part of the second wave of Israelites returning from Babylon. His mission was to restore proper worship, reinstitute the Law, and lead the people in repentance and renewal.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Ezra successfully led a spiritual revival among the returned exiles. He mourned over the nation’s sins, corrected compromises with pagan practices, and reinstituted teaching of the Scriptures.

Interesting Facts About Ezra

• He was a direct descendant of Aaron the high priest (Ezra 7:5).
   
• Led the second return to Jerusalem around 458 B.C.
   
• Known for his deep knowledge of the Law and unwavering devotion.
   
• Instituted religious reforms to separate the Jews from pagan practices.
   
• His leadership helped reestablish the authority of the Torah in post-exilic Judah.
   
• The Book of Ezra may have been authored or compiled by him.
   
• Tradition holds that Ezra helped organize or canonize portions of the Old Testament.

📖 1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king."

📜 Context:
Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel but failed to fully obey God’s commands. His partial obedience and pride led to his downfall.

🔎 What Happened Next:
After repeated disobedience, God rejected Saul. His reign ended in defeat and suicide, and David was anointed in his place.

Interesting Facts About Saul

• Came from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1–2).
   
• Anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1).
   
• Began with humility, later became proud (1 Samuel 15:17).
   
• Disobeyed God by sparing King Agag (1 Samuel 15:9).
   
• Consulted a medium at Endor when God stopped answering him (1 Samuel 28:7).
   
• Died by suicide in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:4).
   
• His legacy was overshadowed by David’s rise.

📖 Matthew 26:14–15 (KJV)
"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."

📜 Context:
Judas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, agreed to betray Him to the religious leaders in exchange for money. He later regretted his actions but did not seek true repentance.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Judas attempted to return the silver, then died by suicide. His betrayal led to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, fulfilling prophecy.

Interesting Facts About Judas Iscariot

• Was the treasurer for Jesus' disciples (John 12:6)
   
• Betrayed Jesus with a kiss (Luke 22:48)
   
• His betrayal fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 11:12–13)
   
• Jesus called him the "son of perdition" (John 17:12)
   
• Regretted his actions but did not seek reconciliation (Matthew 27:3–5)
   
• His name became synonymous with betrayal
   
• His role contrasts sharply with Peter, who denied Jesus but was restored

📖 Daniel 6:22 (KJV)
"My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."

📜 Context:
Daniel remained faithful to God during Babylonian captivity. When forbidden to pray, he continued, resulting in his being thrown into a lions' den.

🔎 What Happened Next:
God protected Daniel, shutting the lions’ mouths. He was honored, and his enemies were judged.

Interesting Facts About Daniel

• Was taken to Babylon as a teenager (Daniel 1:3–6)
   
• Refused to defile himself with royal food (Daniel 1:8)
   
• Interpreted dreams for kings (Daniel 2, 4, 5)
   
• Rose to high position under multiple kings
   
• Prayed three times a day openly (Daniel 6:10)
   
• Had visions of end-time events (Daniel 7–12)
   
• Was described as “greatly beloved” by God (Daniel 9:23)

📖 Job 1:21 (KJV)
"And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

📜 Context:
Job was a righteous man tested by Satan with God's permission. He lost everything—children, wealth, health—yet remained faithful.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Though questioned and misunderstood, Job held firm in his faith. In the end, God restored him and blessed him more than before.

Interesting Facts About Job

• Lived in Uz and was considered “perfect and upright” (Job 1:1)
   
• Lost ten children and vast wealth in one day (Job 1:13–19)
   
• Was struck with painful sores from head to toe (Job 2:7)
   
• His wife urged him to curse God (Job 2:9)
   
• His friends falsely accused him of sin
   
• Declared, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25)
   
• God restored twice as much to him after his trial (Job 42:10)

📖 Genesis 32:28 (KJV)
"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."

📜 Context:
Jacob wrestled with an angel of God the night before meeting Esau, his brother. The encounter marked a turning point in his life, earning him the name Israel.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Jacob reconciled with Esau and became the father of twelve sons, who formed the tribes of Israel. His legacy shaped the nation of God’s people.

Interesting Facts About Jacob

• Jacob was born holding Esau’s heel (Genesis 25:26)
   
• He tricked Esau out of his birthright and blessing
   
• Fled to Haran and served Laban for Rachel (Genesis 29:20)
   
• Had twelve sons and one daughter through four women
   
• Wrestled with God and was renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28)
   
• Showed favoritism to Joseph, causing family strife
   
• Was buried in the cave of Machpelah with his ancestors

📖 1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

📜 Context:
God called to Samuel as a young boy serving in the tabernacle. Samuel became a powerful prophet and judge in Israel.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Samuel led Israel in righteousness, anointed Saul and David as kings, and faithfully served God all his life.

Interesting Facts About Samuel

• Born in answer to Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 1:20)
   
• Dedicated to the Lord from birth
   
• Heard God’s voice as a child (1 Samuel 3:4–10)
   
• Anointed Israel’s first two kings—Saul and David
   
• Judged Israel with integrity (1 Samuel 7:15–17)
   
• Rebuked Saul for disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23)
   
• After death, appeared in a vision to rebuke Saul (1 Samuel 28)

📖 Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

📜 Context:
Adam was the first human being created by God in the Garden of Eden. He lived in innocence until he and Eve disobeyed God's command.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Because of his disobedience, sin entered the world. Yet through Adam came the promise of redemption through Christ, the second Adam.

Interesting Facts About Adam

• Formed from the dust by God’s own hands
   
• Given authority over creation (Genesis 1:28)
   
• Named all the animals (Genesis 2:19–20)
   
• Was placed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15)
   
• Eve was made from his rib (Genesis 2:21–22)
   
• Disobeyed by eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6)
   
• Fathered many children, including Cain, Abel, and Seth

📖 Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

📜 Context:
Joshua was appointed by God to lead Israel after Moses’ death. He guided the people into Canaan and oversaw the conquest of the Promised Land.

🔎 What Happened Next:
Joshua led Israel in victorious battles, including the fall of Jericho, and faithfully distributed the land among the tribes.

Interesting Facts About Joshua

• One of the twelve spies and one of only two with a faithful report (Numbers 14:6–9)
   
• Led the Israelites across the Jordan River on dry ground (Joshua 3:17)
   
• Oversaw the miraculous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:20)
   
• Continued to trust God even in times of fear (Joshua 1:6–9)
   
• Made a covenant to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)
   
• Lived to the age of 110 (Joshua 24:29)
   
• Left a legacy of faith and obedience

📖 1 Kings 18:21 (KJV)
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him."

📜 Context:
Elijah boldly challenged the idolatry in Israel and stood alone on Mount Carmel to prove that the Lord is the one true God.

🔎 What Happened Next:
God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah’s sacrifice. Elijah continued his ministry and was later taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire.

Interesting Facts About Elijah

• Predicted drought in Israel and was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1–6)
   
• Performed miracles for the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16)
   
• Called down fire on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38)
   
• Fled to Mount Horeb and heard God in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12)
   
• Passed his prophetic mantle to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9–13)
   
• Was taken to heaven without dying (2 Kings 2:11)
   
• Appeared with Moses at Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:3)