Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionStephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is renowned for his holy boldness, a quality that exemplifies courage and conviction in the face of adversity. As one of the first deacons and the first Christian martyr, Stephen's life and testimony are recorded in the Book of Acts, where his unwavering faith and fearless proclamation of the Gospel serve as a powerful example for believers. Selection as a Deacon Stephen's journey into the annals of Christian history begins with his selection as one of the seven deacons appointed to serve the early church. The apostles, seeking to address the needs of the Hellenistic widows, chose men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). Stephen is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), highlighting his spiritual maturity and readiness to serve. Ministry and Miracles Stephen's ministry was marked by extraordinary signs and wonders. Acts 6:8 states, "Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people." His ability to perform miracles, coupled with his profound understanding of the Scriptures, made him a formidable witness for Christ. His ministry attracted attention and opposition from various Jewish sects, particularly the members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Confrontation and Accusation Stephen's boldness in proclaiming the Gospel led to fierce opposition. Unable to counter his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke, his adversaries resorted to deceit. They "secretly persuaded some men to say, 'We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God'" (Acts 6:11). This false accusation led to Stephen's arrest and subsequent trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Defense Before the Sanhedrin In one of the most compelling speeches recorded in the New Testament, Stephen delivers a defense that is both a recounting of Israel's history and a bold indictment of the Jewish leaders' rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. He begins by addressing the council as "Brothers and fathers" (Acts 7:2), showing respect even as he prepares to deliver a convicting message. Stephen recounts the faithfulness of God throughout Israel's history, from Abraham to Moses, and highlights the repeated disobedience and rebellion of the people. Stephen's speech reaches its climax with a direct accusation: "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51). His words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, cut to the heart of the council, exposing their complicity in the death of the Righteous One, Jesus Christ. Martyrdom Stephen's bold proclamation of truth incited the fury of the Sanhedrin. Acts 7:54 describes their reaction: "On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him." Yet, even in the face of imminent death, Stephen's focus remained on his Savior. He gazed into heaven and declared, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). As the enraged mob dragged him out of the city to stone him, Stephen's final words echoed the forgiveness of Christ: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). With these words, he fell asleep, becoming the first Christian martyr. Legacy Stephen's holy boldness left an indelible mark on the early church. His martyrdom sparked a wave of persecution that scattered the believers, yet it also fueled the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. Among those present at his execution was Saul of Tarsus, who would later become the Apostle Paul, a testament to the profound impact of Stephen's witness. Stephen's life and death continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the cost. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:51You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 'Full of the Holy Ghost' Thessalonica Advice for the Direction of Holy Zeal. An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Martyrdom of the Holy Confessors Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, from ... Constant, Instant, Expectant Its Effects. On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride Resources What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Friend in Need (Persistent Neighbor)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about passivity / being passive? | GotQuestions.org Boldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Moses Holy Boldness is Through Faith in Christ Holy Boldness: A Characteristic of Saints Holy Boldness: Christ Set an Example of Holy Boldness: Exhortations To Holy Boldness: Express Your Trust in God With Holy Boldness: Have, in Prayer Holy Boldness: Joseph of Arimathaea Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Faithfulness to Their People Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Preaching Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Reproving Sin Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in The Face of Opposition Holy Boldness: Produced by Faithfulness to God Holy Boldness: Produced by The Fear of God Holy Boldness: Produced by Trust in God Holy Boldness: Saints Shall Have, in Judgment Related Terms |
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