Stephen’s Cloak – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Acts 7:58 – “And when they had cast him out of the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses left their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Introduction to Acts 7:58
The verse of Acts 7:58 brings an impactful scene: Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached about Jesus Christ, and for this he was persecuted and condemned to death. While he was being stoned, those taking part in the execution left their cloaks at the feet of a young man called Saul. Today, I would like to reflect on Stephen’s cloak, a symbol of faith and courage, and the profound meaning of the testimony he left behind. Stephen surrendered everything to Christ, and his cloak symbolically reveals a surrender of his life and mission into God’s hands.
Development
The cover as a symbol of identity and legacy
In biblical culture, the cloak represented a symbol of identity and even position. When someone gave up their cloak, they were leaving behind something that was theirs, something important. Stephen’s cloak was recorded as a testimony to the legacy of faith he left us, even in the face of death. His courage and faithfulness to Christ left a profound mark on the church, and the young Saul who witnessed the scene would later be transformed by God and become Paul, the apostle. The cloak left there can be seen as a symbol of a legacy that surpasses life itself.
Stephen, an example of faith in the midst of persecution
Stephen was the first martyr of the Christian church. His faith was so deep that he didn’t fear losing his life. In his last sermon, he confronted the hard-heartedness of the leaders and, filled with the Holy Spirit, saw heaven open and Jesus at the right hand of God. Even while being stoned, he prays for those who killed him, asking God to forgive them. The cloak he left behind when he was martyred is a symbol of his total surrender. He wasn’t attached to anything, not even his own life. For him, following Christ was more important than preserving his own safety.
The cloak left for Saul: the impact of Stephen’s testimony
The Scriptures say that Saul was present, guarding the cloaks of those who were stoning Stephen. This young Saul, the future Paul, was touched by that moment, although he didn’t realize it at the time. Saul had witnessed Stephen’s unshakeable faith, and it registered in his heart. After his encounter with Christ, he would fully understand the depth of that testimony. Stephen’s cape points to the impact our faith can have on the lives of others, even when we have no control over what they will think or do.
Total surrender to the Lord
In leaving his cloak, Stephen was leaving the last symbol of his earthly life behind. His heart was so full of eternity that he was able to say “Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge”, forgiving his executioners. He was entrusting his life completely to God and delivering a testimony that following Christ is more than any earthly attachment. We are called to let go of things that hold us back and to leave, like Stephen, a legacy of love and faithfulness to the Lord.
Conclusion of Acts 7:58
Stephen’s cloak remained on the ground, but his example rose to heaven, leaving an eternal impact. May we reflect: what “cloak” are we willing to leave behind to follow Christ? May we, like Stephen, live a life of true faith, of surrender to the Lord, knowing that our testimony can impact other people’s lives, just as it impacted Saul’s life. May our legacy be one of love, forgiveness and dedication to Jesus.
Preaching Outline on Acts 7:58 – “And when they had cast him out of the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses left their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.
More Preaching Outlines
- Compact Bible Study – Revelation 11:1-19
- The cloak of the blind man of Jericho – Mark 10:50
- Leave the cloak first – Mark 10:46-52
- Jonathan and David – 1 Samuel 18:1-4
