Stephen

Acts 6:8-7:60

Stephen is first mentioned in v. 5 when the congregation chose him to be a deacon. In that verse we learn he was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”. In v. 8 we see him also described as “full of grace and power” and in v. 10 we learn that he had great wisdom. He was brought on trial before the same authorities that the Apostles had faced. His defense before them in chapter 7 is the longest message recorded in Acts.

As I read his defense I am impressed with his command of Israel’s history. He begins with Abraham, calling him father, and talks about Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon. He also demonstrates a deep knowledge of the Bible quoting from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Amos, and Isaiah. One of the best summaries of Old Testament history I have read is Stephen’s defense. One of the significant things he points out in this message is that Israel did not accept the leadership of Joseph and Moses the first opportunity they had. Each of them was initially rejected, just as Christ was.

Then Stephen stated his defense in v. 51 “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” That is quite a statement for someone who knows he is facing death. Don’t miss the implication of the word “heart”. While these men may have been circumcised physically, they weren’t from a “heart” or spiritual perspective and this is what really mattered. While they may have heard the message of truth they did not listen, accept it and apply it to their lives. The primary point of Stephen’s message is that Israel always evidenced a pattern of opposition to God’s plan and His men.
That is still true today of Israel and of much of human kind. That is the world we live in today and we must be prepared to face it with the same kind of courage Stephen and the apostles did. I don’t know what we may face as the future unfolds, but I thank God for your acceptance of Him and pray that you will have the courage to be bold for Him in the midst of opposition that is sure to come.