Stephen: Faith, Courage, and Divine Advocacy

 

Summary

Stephen's story in the book of Acts is a powerful testament to faith, courage, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As one of the seven chosen for service, Stephen was full of faith and power, performing great wonders among the people. However, his ministry was met with fierce opposition from a group within the Greek-speaking community. Unable to counter his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke, they resorted to false accusations, claiming he spoke blasphemous words against Moses, God, the temple, and the law. Despite these charges, Stephen's face shone with the radiance of an angel, reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God and the transfiguration of Christ, reflecting the grace and loveliness of God even in the face of hostility.

When brought before the council, Stephen did not simply plead innocence. Instead, he delivered a profound lesson in redemptive history, recounting the journey from Abraham to Moses, highlighting the persistent resistance of the people to God's messengers. He accused his accusers of being stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart, always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. This indictment cut to the heart of his listeners, provoking a violent reaction.

In the midst of this hostility, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision of Christ standing, rather than sitting, at the right hand of God, symbolized Jesus as both judge and advocate, ready to defend Stephen. Despite the mob's fury, Stephen's focus remained on the heavenly vision, and he prayed for his spirit to be received by the Lord and for forgiveness for his persecutors, echoing the words of Christ on the cross.

Stephen's martyrdom marked the first seed sown in the apostolic community, a testament to the power of faith and the ultimate sacrifice for the gospel. His story challenges us to reflect on our own faith and the courage to stand firm in the face of opposition, with our eyes fixed on the eternal glory of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Stephen's unwavering faith and the power of the Holy Spirit enabled him to perform great wonders, yet it also attracted fierce opposition. His story reminds us that true faith often invites challenges, but it is through these trials that God's power is most profoundly displayed. [01:06]

- The radiance of Stephen's face, likened to that of an angel, symbolizes the reflection of God's glory in the midst of adversity. This teaches us that when we are in communion with God, His grace and loveliness can shine through us, even in the darkest moments. [05:51]

- Stephen's recounting of redemptive history serves as a reminder of the persistent resistance to God's message throughout the ages. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are not resisting the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. [13:33]

- The vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God during Stephen's trial illustrates Christ's dual role as judge and advocate. This powerful image reassures us that in our trials, we have an advocate in Christ who stands ready to defend and intercede for us. [21:31]

- Stephen's final prayers for his spirit to be received and for forgiveness for his persecutors echo the heart of Christ's message of love and forgiveness. This challenges us to embody the same grace and mercy, even towards those who oppose us. [29:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Seven
- [00:47] - Stephen's Ministry and Opposition
- [01:40] - False Accusations Against Stephen
- [03:44] - Stephen's Radiant Face
- [06:11] - Reflections on Moses and Transfiguration
- [08:14] - Stephen's Defense Begins
- [10:31] - Recounting Redemptive History
- [13:54] - Accusation of Resistance
- [15:39] - Call to Self-Examination
- [17:17] - Stephen's Indictment
- [19:08] - Stephen's Vision of Heaven
- [21:31] - Jesus Standing as Advocate
- [25:56] - Stephen's Martyrdom
- [30:17] - The Seed of the Church

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Stephen

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 6:8-15
2. Acts 7:54-60
3. Exodus 34:29-35 (Moses' radiant face)

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the false accusations made against Stephen, and how did they reflect the opposition he faced? ([02:16])

2. How did Stephen's face appear to those who were accusing him, and what biblical figures does this imagery remind us of? ([05:51])

3. What vision did Stephen have while facing the council, and what was significant about Jesus' position in that vision? ([19:20])

4. How did Stephen's final words echo those of Jesus on the cross, and what does this reveal about his character? ([29:35])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Stephen's ability to perform wonders and his subsequent opposition teach us about the nature of true faith and its challenges? ([01:06])

2. In what ways does Stephen's recounting of redemptive history serve as a critique of his accusers, and how does it challenge us to reflect on our own openness to God's message? ([13:33])

3. How does the vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God during Stephen's trial provide comfort and assurance to believers facing trials today? ([21:31])

4. What does Stephen's prayer for his persecutors teach us about the nature of forgiveness and grace, even towards those who oppose us? ([29:35])

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Application Questions:

1. Stephen faced fierce opposition for his faith. Have you ever experienced opposition for your beliefs? How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? ([01:06])

2. Stephen's face shone with the radiance of an angel, reflecting God's glory. How can you cultivate a deeper communion with God so that His grace and loveliness shine through you, even in difficult times? ([05:51])

3. Stephen accused his accusers of resisting the Holy Spirit. Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting the Holy Spirit's work? How can you become more open to His guidance? ([13:33])

4. The vision of Jesus as both judge and advocate reassures us of His support. How can this understanding of Jesus' role encourage you in your current challenges? ([21:31])

5. Stephen's final prayers were for his spirit to be received and for forgiveness for his persecutors. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What steps can you take to extend grace and forgiveness to them? ([29:35])

6. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were standing alone in your faith. How can Stephen's story inspire you to remain steadfast and focused on the eternal glory of God? ([30:17])

7. Stephen's story challenges us to examine our own faith and courage. What specific actions can you take this week to stand firm in your faith, even when faced with opposition? ([30:17])

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Invites Challenges, Revealing God's Power
Stephen's unwavering faith and the power of the Holy Spirit enabled him to perform great wonders, yet it also attracted fierce opposition. His story reminds us that true faith often invites challenges, but it is through these trials that God's power is most profoundly displayed. Stephen's ministry was marked by miraculous works, but it also drew the ire of those who could not understand or accept the truth he proclaimed. This opposition, however, did not deter him; instead, it became a platform for God's glory to be revealed. In the face of false accusations and hostility, Stephen's faith did not waver. His story encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will use our trials to demonstrate His power and presence in our lives. [01:06]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: What current challenge in your life can you view as an opportunity for God's power to be displayed? How can you invite Him into this situation today?


Day 2: Reflecting God's Glory in Adversity
The radiance of Stephen's face, likened to that of an angel, symbolizes the reflection of God's glory in the midst of adversity. This teaches us that when we are in communion with God, His grace and loveliness can shine through us, even in the darkest moments. Stephen's face shone with a divine light, reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God and the transfiguration of Christ. This radiance was not just a physical phenomenon but a spiritual reality, reflecting the inner peace and assurance that comes from being in God's presence. In our own lives, we are called to be vessels of God's light, allowing His grace to shine through us, especially when we face trials and opposition. [05:51]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: In what ways can you allow God's light to shine through you in a current difficult situation? How can you be a beacon of hope and grace to those around you?


Day 3: Resisting the Holy Spirit's Work
Stephen's recounting of redemptive history serves as a reminder of the persistent resistance to God's message throughout the ages. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are not resisting the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Stephen accused his accusers of being stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart, always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. This indictment is a call for self-examination, urging us to be open to the Spirit's leading and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness. We are invited to reflect on our own spiritual journey and to seek a heart that is receptive to God's transformative work. [13:33]

Hebrews 3:7-8 (ESV): "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.'"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you sense you might be resisting the Holy Spirit's guidance? What steps can you take to open your heart to His leading today?


Day 4: Christ as Judge and Advocate
The vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God during Stephen's trial illustrates Christ's dual role as judge and advocate. This powerful image reassures us that in our trials, we have an advocate in Christ who stands ready to defend and intercede for us. Stephen's vision of Jesus standing, rather than sitting, at the right hand of God, symbolizes His active role in advocating for His followers. This vision provided Stephen with the assurance and courage to face his accusers, knowing that he was not alone. In our own lives, we can find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is our advocate, standing with us in our trials and interceding on our behalf before the Father. [21:31]

1 John 2:1 (ESV): "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is your advocate change the way you face your current challenges? In what ways can you lean on His support and intercession today?


Day 5: Embracing Grace and Forgiveness
Stephen's final prayers for his spirit to be received and for forgiveness for his persecutors echo the heart of Christ's message of love and forgiveness. This challenges us to embody the same grace and mercy, even towards those who oppose us. In his last moments, Stephen mirrored the words of Jesus on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who were taking his life. This act of grace and forgiveness is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the depth of Stephen's faith. We are called to follow this example, extending love and forgiveness to those who have wronged us, trusting in God's justice and mercy. [29:35]

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

Quotes

Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. But as he was doing these marvelous things in the midst of this people, there was a group, a group basically from the Greek-speaking community among them, who raised up in opposition against the teaching and preaching of Stephen. [00:01:06]

They started first of all, obviously, engaging Stephen in honest debate, but their honesty was short-lived. When they were unable to stop his arguments, they turned to corrupt manners in order to silence him by beginning a program of suborning witnesses against Stephen. [00:01:40]

And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. The French existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre talks about the destructive human situation we experience when we become the object of people's stares. [00:05:51]

Stephen is the object of the hostile stare as his accusers and the court watch him there as he is accused. And we are told they looked at him steadfastly, but what they saw was not a monkey in the cage or a picture on the wall, but suddenly they begin to see a certain radiance emanating from the face of Stephen. [00:06:11]

Stephen, while they're gnashing their teeth at him, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Now listen to this, ladies and gentlemen, I mean, if you have a mob ready to kill you, so furious at you, and they're advancing on you, gnashing their teeth, how can you take your eyes off them? [00:21:31]

God peels back the curtain for just a moment and allows this man who's on trial for his life here before this hostile kangaroo court. God shows Stephen his glory, the teeth of men that are being gnashed at him not worthy to be compared with the blessed vision that Stephen now enjoys as he looks up into heaven. [00:21:31]

Stephen looks up and he sees Jesus, but what is Jesus doing? He sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He's overcome with this. He now directs his gaze, I don't know how he could take his gaze off that, comes back to the group and he says, "Look, do you see that? I see the heavens open and I see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." [00:21:31]

The great honor for the Christ that the Father bestows upon Him is that He goes to His coronation. He is enthroned where He has given all authority in heaven and earth, and He goes and sits in the position of rule. And the Son of Man is the heavenly judge. [00:21:31]

Stephen, while they're gnashing their teeth at him, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Now listen to this, ladies and gentlemen, I mean, if you have a mob ready to kill you, so furious at you, and they're advancing on you, gnashing their teeth, how can you take your eyes off them? [00:21:31]

Stephen, while they're gnashing their teeth at him, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Now listen to this, ladies and gentlemen, I mean, if you have a mob ready to kill you, so furious at you, and they're advancing on you, gnashing their teeth, how can you take your eyes off them? [00:21:31]

Stephen, while they're gnashing their teeth at him, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Now listen to this, ladies and gentlemen, I mean, if you have a mob ready to kill you, so furious at you, and they're advancing on you, gnashing their teeth, how can you take your eyes off them? [00:21:31]

Stephen, while they're gnashing their teeth at him, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Now listen to this, ladies and gentlemen, I mean, if you have a mob ready to kill you, so furious at you, and they're advancing on you, gnashing their teeth, how can you take your eyes off them? [00:21:31]

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Transcript
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