In verse 8 it says, “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” Stephen knew where his strength came from and he wasn’t afraid to share why he did what he did. The key to Stephen was he was full of God’s grace and power; the Holy Spirit is what led him to do all that he did. It didn’t matter who came against him he knew the way to wisdom and tapped into the source of his strength. I hope we see this as believers and pray for the same strength that lives in us to lead our lives not just be a part of our lives. In verse 10 it says, “None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.” This is because he didn’t speak he let God speak.
When we ask for wisdom (which only comes from God) He gives us wisdom. Are we willing to ask and grow, or seek, so we become fully devoted followers of Christ, or do we just want to go through the motions and worry and fear about the things of this world? I love this part in verse 15, “At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” He truly died to himself and was getting ready to let the Spirit speak even as they accused him of things he didn’t do. In our worldly flesh we tend to want to defend ourselves or lash out but Stephen let it go and shared what God put on his heart without worrying about their educational background.
Look at what it says in chapter 7 verse 51, “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!” He spoke truth and wasn’t ashamed of his love for the Lord. As they were taking him out to stone him we get this picture of Stephen; a relaxed man that cares only for what God thinks. Verses 55 and 56 say, “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” He wasn’t thinking of his problems and they were about to be great, he focused on the truth and it set him free.
As I read this story I pray for faith like Stephen’s as I continue to mature in my walk in this world waiting to go to my true home with the Father. In verses 59-60 we see a true heart of a man full of the Holy Spirit and willing to listen to it. “As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ He fell to his knees, shouting, ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’ And with that he died.” Let’s pray, Father thank you for sharing with us all that we need to know. Help us continue to seek wisdom and power that you offer so we can live our lives boldly for you every day of our lives. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen