Acts 7 - Stand Like Stephen
Acts 7 - Stand Like Stephen
In chapter 6, we saw yesterday Stephen emerge from the large group of disciples and step up as a Spirit-filled leader. Stephen took on a small leadership role, and a colossal result came. Interesting to rememberer that Luke is writing Acts, and this is basically the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, and we see what Luke wrote about Jesus' words in Luke 16.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” - Luke 16:10 NIV
Stephen was trusted with a little, and we see where that lead. As you read the rest of chapter 6 and into chapter 7, we understand the attention Stephen drew because of the significant growth of the following, and the conversion of a large number of priests. Stephen was walking around with a massive target on his back, and his opposition arose, and they finally seized him and took him to court, the supreme council, aka, the Sanhedrin.
In court, Stephens accusers gave false testimony, built a case on lies, and made up a story making it out to look like Stephen was speaking a blasphemous word against Moses and God. The story was building, the case was growing, and something super odd happened.
“All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” - Acts 6:15 NIV
So basically, the prosecution was just about finished with their case, and right as they were ending their closing arguments, the judge and jury watched Stephen’s face transform into a face like an angel. I don’t understand what this would look like or even what the face of an angel would be. But you have to imagine this was a sight and had to cause some confusion in the courtroom. Then, it was Stephen's turn. Stephen had no defense attorney, and he was representing himself.
“Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” - Acts 7:1 NIV
Now, in Acts 7, basically 53 verses of Stephen launching a full-on defense case build from history. A long, but good read that spanned from Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Pharaoh, Moses & the Israelites, to King David and landed with them killing Jesus. This was a full-on assault with the truth of God's word and a history lesson with no notes and zero preparation. The fact was Stephen was filled and powered by the Holy Spirit, and he stood up for what needed to be defended. You have to read Acts 6-7, this is impressive. Stephen finished, and we then read this;
“When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” - Acts 7:54-55 NIV
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, his face transformed right before the councils' eyes, and he delivered a rebuttal that could not be debated. Stephen put them in their place, and they could do nothing about it in a court of law. Stephen finishing his closing arguments looks up and sees Jesus looking at him next to God, showing his approval and giving him a thumbs up.
In the next few moments, Stephen died. They could not debate him or argue their side legitimately, so they dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death.
Stephen stood up, took on a small role, and was then given an enormous opportunity to stand for Jesus. Because of Stephen's faith and courage, many came to know Jesus, and the movement grew much stronger. This cost Stephen his life, and he was honored to serve his God in this way and fulfill his calling. So much so that the last verse in chapter 7 mirrors the last words of Jesus.
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” - Acts 7:59-60 NIV
What a tragic but compelling and encouraging story. But I want to close with this interesting thought. There is one other possible connection with the legacy that Stephen left. We know that generations were changed forever by the people Stephen lead to Jesus...but look at this.
“dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” - Acts 7:58 NIV
A young man named Saul witnessed this. This young man named Saul, you might know better as the Apostle Paul. I wonder, and I have to believe Stephen was a part of the full story of Saul’s conversion and radical transformation into Paul. This completely transforms the thinking of Stephen's legacy and the power of standing up and stepping into our calling. Standing like Stephen doesn't have to look like being willing to die, I understand that it is just about the most extreme version. But as I wrap this up, it is a perfect landing place to walk into today and the remaining of the week willing to stand for Jesus in every situation we find ourselves in. We have no idea who is watching, and who the Saul in our life just might be, and the legacy our actions can leave on those we don't even know.