Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. His eloquent retelling of history was drawing them in, I’m sure. It not only was Stephen’s story, it was common to those who were questioning him. Stephen was building rapport with his accusers. For us, it helps us remember all the heroes of faith who have been used by God over time to bring us to this moment. It’s a nutshell sermon that God used to warm them up.
Stephen didn’t stop with Solomon and the building of the temple. He brought it to present time and started accusing his accusers. That took courage, but the Spirit had filled Stephen, and he couldn’t keep silent. Stephen’s words inflamed the Sanhedrin. They were beside themselves. Then Stephen started in with his own prophesying as he saw the glory of God before him. Jesus was standing there cheering him on.
The Sanhedrin’s fury spilled over when Stephen mentioned seeing Jesus at God’s right hand. Filled with evil, they dragged Stephen out of the city, probably to get him out of the sight of believers and people who may try to stop them. This death was not going to be a public spectacle. But they could not allow this man to utter another word. Even in his dying breath, Stephen prayed a blessing, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” These words were very similar to those spoken by his Lord Jesus while dying on the cross.
What an emotional story. The Sanhedrin, so overcome with anger, had to put a stop to the preaching Stephen would do. They were so threatened with the truth, they couldn’t see straight. Stephen’s faith was strong. The Holy Spirit gave him the courage to speak truth where some would have just folded and become puppets to the Council.
Stephen is often referred to as a martyr. What does that mean exactly?
We don’t often find ourselves in a position like this, facing death for our faith. In some areas of the world this is more prevalent, and people of faith hide and worship in private. We can be thankful for the freedoms we have. Yet many don’t even realize what a privilege it is. Many aren’t even seeking a relationship with Jesus at all.
It is for those people we need to search. Who do you know that has never met Jesus? Who do you know who has lost touch with their best friend? Maybe it’s you? Maybe you have stepped away because of some hurt you have experienced, some unanswered prayer, being too busy, or not feeling any connection. There are so many reasons the evil one uses to keep us disconnected from our Creator and Friend.
We need to look at Stephen’s example of being so strongly connected he was not afraid to die for his faith. Is that how strong your faith is today? God desires a relationship with us. We need to be ready to go to bat for him like Stephen was. Most of us will never have to sacrifice ourselves like that, but we need to have the same passion and desire. We can always draw closer to the heart of God.
Let’s pray. Lord what an amazing faith Stephen had as he allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him. May I have a faith like that, to be unafraid to speak and let the Holy Spirit use me. Give me the boldness. Take away any fear of failure I may have that is holding me back. I know you are with me. With you, I am strong, I am courageous. Give me the words I need today in each encounter. I trust you with my life, and I bow down before you, sinner that I am. Use me, mold me, make me more like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Greek word translated martyr means witness. As so many Christian witnesses came to die for their faith, the word acquired the connotation so familiar today of one who died for their faith.
Thank you for your comment, David. This is very helpful as we think of Stephen and present day witnesses who live in fear for their lives.