Stephen

*Stephen’s story is told in Acts 6:3-8:2

Role in the Early Church:
- A deacon chosen to assist the apostles (Acts 6:1-6)
- Responsible for food distribution among the Jewish and Hellenistic widows
First Christian Martyr:
- Stoned to death for his faith (Acts 7:54-60)
- First person to die for believing in Jesus Christ
Community Stature:
- Described as a man “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5)
Ethnic Background:
- Likely a Hellenistic Jew, engaging with both Hebrew and Greek cultures

Wisdom:
- Noted as wise and insightful, couldn’t be argued against by opposing scholars (Acts 6:10)
Speaker:
- Delivered a powerful and long sermon recounting Jewish history, highlighting Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 7:2-53)
Faith:
- Unwavering belief in Jesus Christ, even in the face of death (Acts 7:55-56)
Miracles:
- Performed “great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8)
Courage:
- Openly professed his faith even when he knew it was dangerous (Acts 7:51-53)

Bluntness:
- His straightforward approach and unapologetic indictment of the Jewish leaders might have escalated his demise (Acts 7:51-53)
Limited Time:
- Had a short-lived ministry, as he was martyred soon after his appointment

Courage in Faith:
- Not backing down when faced with opposition
Importance of Wisdom:
- His wisdom wasn’t just intellectual; it was spiritually rooted
Witnessing:
- His life (and death) bore witness to Christ, leading to the spread of Christianity
Forgiveness:
- Forgave his executioners, asking God not to hold their sins against them (Acts 7:60)

Acts 6:5 – “…They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…”
Acts 6:8 – “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
Acts 7:55-56 – “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Acts 7:60 – “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”