Acts 6:8-15

 Acts 6:8-15

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. ¹¹ Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, ¹³ and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen has just been elected as one of the deacons in the church, but his ministry goes far beyond the serving of tables.  He is serving the people and testifying of Jesus and the Gospel.  The consequences of doing this in Jerusalem are beginning to get more and more severe.  The enemies of Christ are active and striving to silence His followers in any way then can.  However, God is in control and He empowers His followers to demonstrate His glory even in the most difficult of circumstances.

STEPHEN’S TESTIMONEY IS POWERFUL: Stephen’s testimony was marked by two characteristics: the signs he performed and the words of wisdom he spoke.  Both are clearly empowered by the Spirit of God.  His life is described as being full of grace and power.  Those two characteristics are not commonly associated with one another.  Jesus and Moses come to mind as other men who demonstrated this combination of power and grace.  This too is clearly the work of the Spirit in his life.  May we faithfully allow the Spirit to empower us while at the same time filling us with grace.  When this happens, both our words and works will become a powerful testimony for the glory of God.

STEPHEN’S ENEMIES ARE DECIETFUL: Various groups from the synagogue felt threatened by Stephen so they went out to debate him and dispute the things he was teaching.  However, his words were so wise and convincing that they could not prevail in this debate.  The only option that was left for them was to turn to deceit.  They hired people to speak falsely about him and claim that they constantly heard him speaking against the temple and that he blasphemed God and Moses.  These accusations were not true, but it was the only way they could find to silence him.  They felt threatened by the power and wisdom of Stephen’s message because it would eventually displace them.  They traded their integrity to solidify their power. 

STEPHEN’S FACE IS GRACEFUL: In the midst of the false accusations and standing before a counsel of men intent on his harm, Stephen’s face was glowing.  This is evidence of the Spirit’s work in his life and must have been an amazing sight for all who were in that place.  Enough people witnessed this even, including Paul, who likely told this story to Luke who recorded it for us.  God is able to give us grace in every circumstance and fill our hearts with peace.  No matter the danger or evil intents of the enemies of our Lord, the Spirit of God is powerful and able to fill our hearts with grace and peace. 

APPLICATION: Allow the Holy Spirit to use our works and our words to serve others and lift up the name of Jesus.  Seek to testify of Jesus with powerful and gracious words.  Be prepared for suffering and persecution in service to the Lord.  Let the presence of the Spirit shine through our face in times when we are under stress or even attack.  Depend on the Spirit for these amazing qualities.