Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Death of Stephen explained
This chapter poetically recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, remains steadfast in faith despite the violent opposition of the Jews.
What happens
This chapter poetically recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, remains steadfast in faith despite the violent opposition of the Jews. He sees Jesus standing at God's right hand and, as he is stoned, prays for his murderers, exemplifying unwavering trust and forgiveness.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
Stephen's unwavering confidence in Jesus, even in the face of death, illustrates a faith that cannot be moved.
Suffering and Affliction
The chapter depicts the reality of persecution and martyrdom, yet frames it as an opportunity for divine comfort and heavenly vision.
Characters to notice
- Stephen
The faithful martyr who, undismayed, faces the malice of the Jews and sees Jesus in glory.
- Jesus Christ
The glorious Lord who appears to Stephen in a vision, giving him strength and peace.
- The Jews
The adversaries who survey Stephen with malice and carry out his stoning.
Key passages
“As some tall rock amidst the waves The fury of the tempest braves, While the fierce billows, tossing high, Break at its foot, and murm'ring, die:”
Like a towering rock that withstands the stormy sea, with waves crashing against it and falling back, so the faithful remain unmoved by assaults.
The simile of the rock illustrates the steadfastness of those who trust in the Lord.
“Thus they who in the Lord confide, Though foes assault on every side, Cannot be moved or overthrown, For Jesus makes their cause his own.”
Those who trust in the Lord are secure despite enemies attacking from all directions, because Jesus defends them.
The assurance of divine protection for believers.
“Behold, he said, the world of light Is open'd to my strengthened sight; My glorious Lord appears in view, That Jesus whom ye lately slew.”
Stephen declares that he sees the heavenly realm and Jesus standing in glory, the same Jesus whom the Jews had killed.
Stephen's vision of Christ at God's right hand, as recorded in Acts.
“With such a friend and witness near, No form of death could make him fear; Calm, amidst showers of stones, he kneels, And only for his murderers feels.”
Because Jesus was near as his friend and witness, Stephen feared no death; he knelt calmly amid the stones and prayed for his killers.
Stephen's fearless and forgiving response to martyrdom.
“May we by faith perceive thee thus, Dear Saviour, ever near to us! This sight our peace through life shall keep, And death be fear'd no more than sleep.”
May we, through faith, see you always near us, dear Savior; this vision will keep our peace throughout life, and death will be no more frightening than sleep.
A prayer for the same faith and peace that Stephen possessed.