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Stephen: A Picture of Courage
Stephen: A Picture of Courage
As the disciples went through Jerusalem proclaiming Jesus, the Jews jailed Peter and John (Acts 4:1-22) then flogged them and ordered them to be silent (5:40). Another disciple, Stephen, continued preaching.
Stephen’s work began with serving food to widows (6:3). Soon, he “was performing great wonders and signs among the people” (6:8). Then he preached Christ publicly in the synagogues, and reasoned effectively with the most educated among them (6:9-10). Note that those who grow to preach often start by holding the door.
The leaders of the synagogue “were unable to cope” with Stephen’s words (6:10). Rather than confess Jesus, they brought Stephen before the Council. Stephen’s sermon is the longest Luke records. Stephen does not fight the charges, nor try to change their hearts. Their rejection of Jesus is a foregone conclusion. Stephen goes through the Bible to explain the roots of their rejection of Jesus, and to warn them of the wrath they are storing up.
Stephen says that God sent saviors to His people, but they rejected them each time. God gave the land to the descendants of Abraham (7:2-8). Those same patriarchs became jealous and sold Joseph into Egyptian slavery (7:9-10); nevertheless God made Joseph prosper and through him saved them from extinction (7:11-16). When Israel’s situation in Egypt turned sour, God sent Moses (7:17-23). Nevertheless, Israel refused to follow him (7:24-37), refused to listen to the words God had given to him (7:38-43), refused to worship exclusively at the temple he built according to God’s pattern (7:44-44) even though God is not really confined to a box on earth (7:45-50). Stephen reaches his climax:
You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did you fathers not persecute? (7:51-52).
Note that brethren who teach such powerful messages have made themselves familiar with the whole Bible. Stephen’s ability to speak loudly against the Sanhedrin came from hours spent quietly in his room with his Bible. Courage comes from moral clarity, and moral clarity comes from knowledge of God’s word.
These accusations infuriated the Sanhedrin. “They were cut to the quick,” just like the Jews on the day of Pentecost (2:37); but unlike the Jews who on that occasion repented, the Sanhedrin lashed out in anger (7:54). Stephen must have suspected what was coming next, but he did not waver for a moment. “Being full of the Holy Spirit” he was granted a vision of “Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (7:55-56), a visual confirmation of that fact which he had heretofore accepted solely on faith, that Jesus was the Christ the Son of God, resurrected, ruling, interceding for the saints.
Stephen did not get upset. His face was bright (6:15). He was not full of dread but anticipation, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (7:59). Moreover, he said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” (7:60). Even at this brutal end, Stephen’s goal was to glorify Jesus not himself, to preach gospel truth to all including his enemies, so that they could enjoy the same hope of salvation. May we learn to pray for our enemies, and to forgive those who trespass against us (Matthew 5:43-48, 6:14-15, Luke 23:34)! Remember: Saul was part of this murderous crowd—thanks be to God that Saul did not get what justice demanded, and that Stephen’s prayer for forgiveness was answered through him in a mighty way. Just think of how many were converted to Jesus and gained salvation due to Stephen’s courage and forbearance!
Stoning is not a quick death. Stephen focused on Jesus, not the accumulating blows. He simply “fell asleep” with Jesus’ name on his lips. After the resurrection of Jesus, the Bible tends to euphemize the death of a Christian as “falling asleep.” Sleep is nothing to fear, it is something to embrace. It is a reminder of the victory over death provided to all who are in Christ, that those who sleep in Christ shall soon awake to glory!
May the courage of Stephen be present in the church today!
–John Guzzetta
