Tune: Tempus Adest Floridum = 'The time for flowers has come'
('Good King Wenceslas')
Acts 7 v.54-60
********
Jewish Council could not bear
More Stephen's speech to hear
Furious, were cut to heart
Gritted teeth not depart
They full of rage, but Stephen
Full of the Spirit then
Looked up steadfast to heaven
Saw the glory of God then
And saw Jesus standing by
At right hand of God nigh
Said, Behold, heavens I see
Open, glorious sight be
And the Son of man standing
Underneath angel's wings
By God's right hand side, He Lord
Ever is the living Word
But the people with loud voice
Cried out, closed ears their choice
Refused to listen, ran to
Him caught up in His view
They cast him out of city
Stoned him murderously
Witnesses laid down coats there
Gave them unto young Saul's* care (*later St Paul)
They stoned Stephen, he did call
On God, scene of appal
But said, Lord Jesus receive
My spirit, I believe
Prayed at his end, Lord, forgive
That enemies may live
Saying this with final breath
Left this world by martyr's death
-
Author:
orchidee (
Offline) - Published: December 26th, 2025 03:07
- Comment from author about the poem: A hymn-poem 7.6.7.6 .7.6.7.6. for today, St Stephen's Day. Wenceslas was real, but a duke rather than a king, it seems. (10th century AD).
- Category: Spiritual
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments8
The portrayal of the stoning of Stephen and Saul later to become Paul's participation as the coat rack. Well done Orchi
Thank you SB. You a coat rack? Or a lamp-post? Do some people treat you as one / both of them? lol. 'Tis how I treat KP.
I have been handed many a coat since I don't cast much light. Most welcome Orchi
Or did you yourself say 'I'll get my coat!' having over-stayed a welcome? lol.
I couldn't overstay my welcome because I was never invited and was not welcome to start with
Aww why they not invite and welcome you?! heehee.
Always a pleasure, Orchi!
Thank you K.
Your poem recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, emphasizing his faith and forgiveness in the face of persecution and violence. It highlights the contrast between the rage of the Jewish Council and Stephen's steadfastness in his belief, culminating in his prayer for forgiveness for his enemies.
Thank you F. The 'cut to the heart' can mean 'repentance, remorse' in some other contexts, but not here.
Excellent hymn-poem, Orchi! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thank you T.
Most welcome, my friend!
Ah...you thought that was it. Awkwardly scratched your head. Said, gee, that comment was sorta quiet...compared to...
GLUG.
Then you hear it. and you realize. It's below. The glug from the pit is lurching up, like a belch! 🤣🤮
Oh lol. A sound from the bottomless pit / abyss? Or some monster beneath the sea?! heehee.
Methinks both! Beware the pop-eyed monster from the bottomless sea! 🤣 Glug!
Good write, Orchi. Happy New Year.
Thank you J. You too!
Good one Orchi.
Thank you Gold.
So many musical groups so many figures of history a catalog of time. Nicely done
Thank you SB.
You are most welcome Orchi
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.