Topic: Boldness of Stephen (Acts 7)
In my opinion, Stephen is one of the finest examples of spiritual boldness in the entire Bible. He was one of the first deacons of the early Church in Jerusalem. The Bible describes Stephen as one who was full of the Holy Spirit, faith, wisdom, and power. These qualities are still ideal for deacons and all believers.
In this great servant of God, we find a man wholly dedicated to, and in love with, the Lord Jesus Christ. The boldness of Stephen moved him to speak out bravely for Christ in spite of opposition.
Stephen’s boldness is evident in his:
1. Reputation of walking with God. Stephen fit the requirements of the task at hand as listed in Acts 6:3, “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” Six other men also were listed that matched this need. But there was something extra special about Stephen’s walk with Jesus. Acts 6:8, “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.”
2. Confidence in Christ even in moments of tense disagreement. Acts 6:9-10, “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. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”
Stephen didn’t fool around with debating nonsense. He gave people what they really needed—Jesus. The tense disagreement grew into an angry and violent mob. Acts 7:57, “But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Stephen had trifled with Jewish tradition by telling them the truth about Jesus—He was the prophesied Messiah. But Israel as a whole had rejected and rebelled against the very one for whom they claimed to be waiting.
3. Looking to heaven. Acts 7:55, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:59, “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Even as he was being stoned to death, Stephen’s gaze was still fixed on Jesus. And as he looked lovingly into the face of his Lord, who had already stood to receive him, he could think of no better way to show his love for Christ than to paraphrase Christ’s words from the cross (Luke 23:49).
Stephen’s life is the result of a prayer for boldness back in Acts 4. If his life was so greatly impacted by prayer, what about your life? Are you praying for boldness?
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem