An Unwavering Faith
When people say to me, “I have faith in you”, I realize that they are counting on someone who is fallible. And while I might desire to deliver on the expectation they have of me, the reality is I can’t always do that. But we see in Acts 6:7–10; 7:54–60, Stephen’s faith was deeply rooted in Jesus, the one who never fails. And despite what people tried to do to stop it, God’s word and it’s power can not be stopped, it continues to spread. I pray that we would hold on to our faith as unwaveringly as Stephen did, despite the trials we may face in our lives. Amen
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia —who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. (Acts 6:7–10)
As the gospel message spread throughout Jerusalem, the numbers of believers increased greatly. Even a large number of Jewish priests became believers. Stephen, through the power of the Holy Spirit, performed great signs and wonders. Because of these things, Freedman Jews from outside of Jerusalem argued in opposition against Stephen. But, because of the wisdom he received from the Holy Spirit, they weren’t able stand against him and the church continued to grow.
When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:54–56)
In addition to the opposition by Freedman Jews, members of the Sanhedrin were furious with Stephen when they heard what he was doing through the power of the Holy Spirit. At that time, Stephen spoke regarding a vision that he had of Jesus at the right hand of the Father.
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:57–60)
The Jews who surrounded Stephen in opposition against him covered their ears and refused to hear his vision and testimony. His use of the term “Son of Man” and his description of Jesus at the right hand of the Father were clearly understood by members of the Sanhedrin as claiming that Jesus is the Messiah. In their anger, they dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him. Just as Jesus prayed for forgiveness of those responsible for His crucifixion, Stephen prayed that their refusal to accept the gospel and their actions to stone him would not be held against them.
Conclusion
This study began with these words in Acts 6:7 …”So the word of God spread”. The word of God continues to spread even today. Jesus was beaten and crucified, Stephen was stoned and martyred, but the word of God continues to spread. Even after Stephen was stoned, and the Saints were scared and scattered while seeking to escape persecution, the word of God continued to spread wherever they went. Those who refused to hear Stephen’s message thought that they could stop God’s word by killing the messenger. But the vision that Stephen had of the risen Savior standing at the right hand of the Father is still our guiding vision today. And Stephen’s prayer is still our prayer, When this life is over and finished…”Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”. And Lord, give me an unwavering faith like Stephen, to hold on to you until that time comes.
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
