ActsSample

Acts 6 & 7

What’s happening?

Just as Peter and John praise the Lord despite persecution and difficulties in Acts 5, Stephen continues to model this faithfulness in Acts 6 and 7. The enemy clearly attempts to derail the church by causing opposition among its members and through the arrest of Stephen, one of the most influential forces for the kingdom. However, the church continues to grow and prosper despite (6:7).

Stephen is the first person in Scripture who performs signs and miracles other than Jesus and the apostles, and his ministry is very impactful because of his unceasing trust in the Lord. The passage attributes his ministry to the grace and power of the Spirit within Him (6:5, 6:8, 6:10), making it clear that nothing is of his own doing. The council arrests Stephen and falsely accuses him of blasphemy in an attempt to raise the people against him. When asked by the high priest if the allegations made against him are true, Stephen answers by sharing the story of God’s promise and faithfulness to Israel beginning with Abraham and continuing all the way to David, despite their unfaithfulness to Him. He tells the council that they have rejected God, just as their ancestors did before, through their betrayal and murder of Christ (7:52). The council responds to Stephen’s statement by stoning him to death, making him the first Christian martyr who died as a result of proclaiming his faith following Jesus’ death.

Many question and wonder why God allowed such a faithful man like Stephen to die at the hands of the Sannhedrin. While we do not have the exact answer due to our limited human understanding, it is clear that Jesus responds passionately to His people and is present with us at all times. Right before he is stoned, the Lord gives Stephen a glimpse into heaven, and he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.

What do we learn?

Jesus was with Stephen, even during his death. The Lord also used Stephen’s death to continue to send the church out into the entire world.Stephen’s last words are a prayer asking the Lord not to charge the Sanhedrin for their sins. This prayer was answered later in Acts through the conversion and powerful ministry of Saul (Paul). He was part of the council who stoned Stephen, but later became one of the most influential ministers of the gospel in history. God sees us, advocates for us, and redeems all things.

What should we do?

Even in the midst of turmoil, Stephen remains calm and confident in the Lord. He knew that the Roman consequence for blasphemy was death, yet his face shone like an angel to the council (6:15). Stephen reflected the perfect peace and confidence of one that trusts the Lord, knowing that his life was in His hands. His threat of death only made him more outspoken for God. His life begins and ends in complete trust in the Lord. Stephen’s life shows us that we can be used by the Holy Spirit in great ways when we act in faith. Do you desire to glorify the Lord in every circumstance, no matter the cost? How can you better trust and exalt Him as Lord of your life?