The Bible Course Muestra

Stephen, the Speech, and the Stoning – persecution  

Reflect 

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who helped hide Jewish people during the war and was herself imprisoned. As a young girl, she feared that she would not have the strength to suffer and perhaps be martyred for her faith. She told her father this. He responded by asking her when she takes the train from Haarlem to Amsterdam when does he give her the money?  

‘Just before we get on the train,’ Corrie said. 

‘That is right, and so it is with God’s strength. Our Father in heaven knows when you are going to need things too. Today you do not need the strength to be a martyr. But as soon as you are called upon for the honor of facing death for Jesus, He will supply the strength you need – just in time.’ 

Corrie’s story proves her father right. God gave her all the courage and power she needed.  

What did the martyrdom of Stephen mean then?   

Stephen was not an apostle. In fact, his role in the church was to sort out a benefits system for poor widows. Still, Stephen was brought before the Jewish authorities, and there, full of the Holy Spirit, he gives a bold speech. This is an early version of a Bible course! Stephen goes through the whole of the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled everything. What a reminder that ordinary believers, like Stephen, can know the Bible so well!  

This made the Jewish leaders furious and they stoned him. Stephen became the first Christian martyr, dying for his faith in Jesus. When he needed it most, God was there.  

As a result of this, hundreds of Christians were forced to flee Jerusalem in fear of their lives. Far from stopping Christianity, this persecution ended up spreading it! Imagine the Jerusalem Church as like a dandelion. As the wind of persecution came, it scattered the seed and new churches sprang up everywhere.  

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem in order to provide salvation for all people. Now in Acts, we see a reversal of travel. Jesus’ followers make their way out of Jerusalem to offer it to the world. As Christianity spread out from Jerusalem, it began to cross national borders and cultural barriers. Stephen’s martyrdom was the spark that ignited the unstoppable flame of Gospel expansion.  

What does Stephen’s story mean for us today?  

For some around the world today, following Jesus means risking your life. For others, persecution may not look as life-threatening but it remains. The strength Stephen found is available – God will be there when you need him the most.  

Respond 

Whether you’re suffering today or when the time comes give thanks that God will be there when you need him the most!