Stephen
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts 6:8
Stephen, the foremost of the seven deacons, was a man of deep piety and broad faith....He was very active in the cause of Christ and boldly proclaimed his faith....Not only did he speak in the power of the Holy Spirit, but it was plain that he was a student of the prophecies and learned in all matters of the law. He ably defended the truths that he advocated and utterly defeated his opponents. To him was the promise fulfilled, "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist" (Luke 21:14, 15).
As the priests and rulers saw the power that attended the preaching of Stephen, they were filled with bitter hatred. Instead of yielding to the evidence that he presented, they determined to silence his voice by putting him to death. On several occasions they had bribed the Roman authorities to pass over without comment instances where the Jews had taken the law into their own hands and had tried, condemned, and executed prisoners in accordance with their national custom. The enemies of Stephen did not doubt that they could again pursue such a course without danger to themselves. (The Acts of the Apostles, 97, 98)
Reflection: What an example Stephen is to us today. He knew his Savior, and stood firmly for Him even though it cost him his life.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts 6:8
Stephen, the foremost of the seven deacons, was a man of deep piety and broad faith....He was very active in the cause of Christ and boldly proclaimed his faith....Not only did he speak in the power of the Holy Spirit, but it was plain that he was a student of the prophecies and learned in all matters of the law. He ably defended the truths that he advocated and utterly defeated his opponents. To him was the promise fulfilled, "Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist" (Luke 21:14, 15).
As the priests and rulers saw the power that attended the preaching of Stephen, they were filled with bitter hatred. Instead of yielding to the evidence that he presented, they determined to silence his voice by putting him to death. On several occasions they had bribed the Roman authorities to pass over without comment instances where the Jews had taken the law into their own hands and had tried, condemned, and executed prisoners in accordance with their national custom. The enemies of Stephen did not doubt that they could again pursue such a course without danger to themselves. (The Acts of the Apostles, 97, 98)
Reflection: What an example Stephen is to us today. He knew his Savior, and stood firmly for Him even though it cost him his life.
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