Stephen the Martyr

Stephen is a model of what a Christian is. Look at some verses from Acts written concerning him...

6:5 – “And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit…”

6:8 – “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.”

6:10 – “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”

6:15 – “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”

7:55 – “But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”

7:59-60 – “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Why was Stephen such an encouragement to others? Why is he revered today among Christians? Is it because of who he was as a man? No! It is because of who his God is! It is because he was continually being filled by the Holy Spirit to accomplish tasks he otherwise as a fallen human could not accomplish.

Stephen walked with God
Stephen knew the Word of God
Stephen displayed the wonders of God