Read Acts 6:1-8, 7: 54 to 8: 2
Stephen is one of the most interesting characters in the New Testament. His story is short, but intense. His work belongs to a few days, and he makes but one speech, but his influence belongs to all after time. He was the first deacon and the first Christian martyr.
Stephen’s fiery eloquence touched many hearts, but it also aroused the members of the Jewish synagogues, who set themselves against him. We must not be surprised if our efforts to do good awaken opposition. The more we try to honour Christ and build up His kingdom, the more opposition we shall encounter. So long as we keep quiet about people’s sins and connive at their wrongdoings, they may not seriously oppose us. But when we assault the evil we see in them and openly condemn it, we shall certainly stir up enmity and antagonism and bring upon ourselves opposition and possibly persecution.
Stephen’s opponents were no match for him in argument. “They were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.” It was not Stephen with whom they had to contend; there was an unseen One beside him all the while who helped him. The Spirit in Stephen whom his proponents could not resist was the Holy Spirit. Stephen was an inspired man when he stood before his opponents and declared to them the words of God. He was filled with God, as were the apostles on the day of Pentecost. If we go out in Christ’s name to speak for Him, there will always be One with us whom no man can withstand. If only we remembered this, it would make us brave, resistless, in speaking the truth.
Page 1