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Stephen's Profile
Around the world, the gospel
has most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of martyrs. Before
people can give their lives for the gospel, however, they must first
live their lives for the gospel. One way God train his servants is to place
them in insignificant positions. Their desire to serve Christ is translated into
the reality of serving others. Stephen was an effective
administrator and messenger before becoming a martyr.
Stephen was named among the managers of food distribution in
the early church. Long before violent persecution broke out against Christians,
there was already social ostracism. Jews who accepted Jesus as Messiah were
usually cut off from their families. As a result, the believers depended on each
other for support. The sharing of homes, food, and resources was both a
practical and necessary mark of the early church. Eventually, the number of
believers made it necessary to organize the sharing. People were being
overlooked. There were complaints. Those chosen to help manage were chosen for
their integrity, wisdom, and sensitivity to God.
Stephen, besides being a good administrator, was also a
powerful speaker. When confronted in the temple by various antagonistic groups,
Stephen's logic in responding was convincing. This is clear from the defense he
made before the council. He presented a summary of the Jews' own history and
made powerful applications that stung his listeners. During his defense Stephen
must have known he was speaking his own death sentence. Members of the council
could not stand to have their evil motives exposed. They stoned him to death
while he prayed for their forgiveness. His final words show how much like Jesus
he had become in a short time. His death had a lasting impact on young Saul
(Paul) of Tarsus, who would move from being a violent persecutor of Christians
to being one of the greatest champions of the gospel the church has known.
Stephen's life is a continued challenge to all Christians.
Because he was the first to die for the faith, his sacrifice raises questions:
How many risks do we take in being Jesus' followers? Would we be willing to die
for him? Are we really willing to live for him?
Stephen's Strengths and Accomplishments
1. One of seven leaders chosen to supervise food
distribution to the needy in the early church.
2. Known for his spiritual qualities of faith, wisdom, grace, and power, and for
the Spirit's presence in his life
3. Outstanding leader, teacher, and debater
4. First to give his life for the gospel
Lessons from Stephen's Life
1. Striving for excellence in small assignments
prepares one for greater responsibilities
2. Real understanding of God always leads to practical and compassionate actions
toward people
Stephen's Vital
Statistics
1. Church responsibilities: Deacon - distributing
food to the needy
2. Contemporaries: Paul, Caiaphas, Gamaliel, the apostles
Key Verses
"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed,
'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' 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" (Acts
7:59,60).
Stephen's story is told in Acts 6:3-8:2. He is
also mentioned in Acts 11:19; Acts 22:20.
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