Stephen: The First Martyr, Full of Faith and Power
In the nascent days of the early church, amidst the fervor of Pentecost and the rapid growth of believers in Jerusalem, a man named Stephen emerged, distinguished by his profound faith, divine wisdom, and the palpable power of the Holy Ghost. He stands as a towering figure in Christian history, not only as one of the first deacons but, more significantly, as the very first martyr—a witness who sealed his testimony with his life. His story, primarily chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles chapters 6 and 7, offers a profound glimpse into the character of a true disciple and the unwavering commitment required to follow Christ, even unto death.
A Man Chosen by God, Full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom
The early church experienced phenomenal growth, but with growth came practical challenges. A dispute arose between the Grecians (Hellenistic Jews) and the Hebrews concerning the daily ministration to their widows. To resolve this, the apostles, recognizing the need to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, instructed the multitude of the disciples to "look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." Among those chosen was Stephen, a man explicitly described as "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost."
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
This description immediately sets Stephen apart. He was not merely a diligent administrator; he was a vessel overflowing with divine grace and strength. His appointment was not just for serving tables; it was for demonstrating the power of God in the midst of the community. The "great wonders and miracles" he performed were undeniable evidence of God's hand upon him, confirming the truth of the message he proclaimed.
Rising Opposition and False Accusations
Stephen's anointing and effectiveness soon drew the ire of those who resisted the burgeoning Christian movement. Certain individuals from the synagogues of the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia rose up to dispute with Stephen. Yet, they found themselves utterly unable to contend with the divine wisdom and the Spirit that empowered his words. "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" (Acts 6:10).
Frustrated and defeated in intellectual debate, his adversaries resorted to treachery. They secretly incited men to bear false witness against him, accusing him of blasphemy against Moses and against God. They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, seizing Stephen and bringing him before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council. The false charges laid against him were severe:
- Blasphemy against the holy place (the Temple) and the law.
- Speaking words against Moses and God.
- Claiming that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs delivered by Moses.
Despite the gravity of these accusations and the hostile atmosphere, Stephen's countenance remained serene. All who sat in the council, looking intently at him, "saw his face as it had been the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15). This divine radiance was a powerful testament to the Spirit's presence within him, a stark contrast to the malice and deceit of his accusers.
Stephen's Powerful Defense and Prophetic Rebuke
When the high priest asked if the accusations were true, Stephen, rather than defending himself directly, launched into a masterful, Spirit-inspired sermon recounted in Acts chapter 7. His discourse was not merely a historical recitation but a powerful theological argument and a scathing prophetic rebuke of his accusers. He meticulously traced the history of Israel from Abraham to Solomon, demonstrating that God's presence was not confined to a physical temple, nor was His revelation limited to Moses' law. He highlighted key themes:
He accused them of being just like their rebellious ancestors, persecuting the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah, and ultimately betraying and murdering "the Just One"—Jesus Christ—whose law they claimed to uphold but failed to keep.Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and and have not kept it.
The Glorious Vision and Martyr's Crown
Stephen's words pierced the hearts of his listeners, but not in repentance. Instead, they were "cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth" (Acts 7:54). Yet, in that moment of intense hatred, Stephen, "being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55). He declared, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56).
This vision was the ultimate blasphemy in their eyes. They cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord. Dragging him out of the city, they began to stone him. As the stones rained down upon him, Stephen uttered two profound prayers, mirroring those of his Lord on the cross:
With these words of unwavering faith and Christ-like forgiveness, Stephen "fell asleep." Among those witnessing and approving of his death was a young man named Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul, a testament to the profound and unforeseen ripple effects of Stephen's martyrdom.
The Enduring Legacy of Stephen
Stephen's death was not an end but a catalyst. The immediate consequence was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, causing believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). This scattering, however, inadvertently led to the wider dissemination of the Gospel, as those who were scattered "went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). The blood of the first martyr became the seed of the church, spreading the message of Christ beyond the confines of Jerusalem.
Furthermore, Stephen's courageous witness and his final prayer of forgiveness undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Saul. While we cannot definitively say it was the direct cause, it is remarkable that the man who held the cloaks of Stephen's killers would later become the greatest missionary of the early church, himself suffering persecution and eventually martyrdom for the very faith he once sought to destroy.
Stephen's life and death serve as an eternal example of what it means to be truly "full of faith and power." He demonstrated:
- Unwavering Faith: His trust in God remained steadfast even in the face of death.
- Spirit-Filled Ministry: His words and deeds were empowered by the Holy Ghost, making him irresistible to his opponents.
- Bold Witness: He did not shy away from proclaiming the truth, even when it meant confronting powerful religious leaders.
- Christ-like Forgiveness: His final prayers epitomized the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness to his persecutors.
Stephen, the first martyr, stands as a beacon of faithfulness, courage, and divine grace. His story continues to inspire believers to live lives "full of faith and power," willing to stand for truth, even when it demands the ultimate sacrifice, knowing that their Lord Jesus stands at the right hand of God, ready to receive their spirit.