Stephen was a godly man who stood firm in his faith in the Lord Jesus when he faced opposition.
(NASB) Acts 6:8 “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.”
Stephen was confronted by men opposing him and they argued with him.
(NASB) Acts 6:9 “But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen.”
How did these men do in their debate with Stephen?
(NASB) Acts 6:10 “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”
What was the next step these men took to oppose Stephen?
(NASB) Acts 6:11-14 “Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.’
12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council.
13 They put forward false witnesses who said, ‘This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.’”
Bribery, personal threats, physical aggression, lies, twisting Stephen’s words to suit their purposes… perhaps you have had these same things happen to you in your village or town. You are in good company. Stephen also suffered in this way.
Those who do not live in such places… are you praying for those who are daily facing such opposition because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
What did those men sitting on that Council of Seventy see?
(NASB) Acts 6:15 “And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.”
Stephen’s facial expression and demeanor were not “fake” or filled with fear, he was not intimidated or cowardly as he stood before his accusers.
Remember Stephen’s reputation?
(NASB) Acts 6:3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom…”
~ Take it to heart ~
Stephen was filled with godly wisdom and with the Spirit of the living God.
NASB Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”