Stephen: A Bold Witness for Christ and the First Martyr

 

Stephen: The Bold Witness

The story of Stephen, found in Acts 6–7, is both inspiring and sobering. As one of the first deacons of the early church, Stephen’s life demonstrates servant leadership, a deep understanding of scripture, and an unshakable faith in the face of persecution. Though his life on earth ended in martyrdom, his bold testimony continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and proclaim the gospel boldly.

Stephen’s Role as a Deacon: A Servant of the Church

Stephen’s story begins with his appointment as one of the seven deacons in Acts 6. As the early church grew, the apostles recognized the need for trusted men to manage the distribution of food to widows and other practical needs, freeing the apostles to focus on preaching and prayer. Stephen was chosen because he was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5).

This role highlights the importance of servant leadership in the body of Christ. Stephen’s willingness to humbly serve others set him apart as a leader who not only met physical needs but also reflected Christ’s love in every aspect of his life. His example reminds us that no task in the church is too small when it is done in service to God.

A Man Full of Wisdom and Power

Though Stephen’s primary role was to serve, he was also known for his powerful preaching and miracles. Acts 6:8 describes him as “full of grace and power,” performing “great wonders and signs among the people.” His boldness in sharing the gospel and defending the faith drew the attention of those opposed to the message of Christ.

Stephen’s deep understanding of scripture became evident during his defense before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses accused him of speaking against Moses and the temple, but Stephen’s response was not one of self-defense. Instead, he delivered a sweeping recounting of Israel’s history, demonstrating how the prophets had pointed to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. His knowledge and wisdom confounded his accusers, as they could not refute the Spirit-inspired truth he spoke (Acts 6:10).

Standing Firm in the Face of Persecution

Stephen’s defense in Acts 7 is a masterclass in biblical theology and boldness. He traced God’s redemptive plan from Abraham to Moses, highlighting Israel’s consistent rejection of God’s messengers. His words culminated in a direct challenge to the Sanhedrin, accusing them of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51-53).

Stephen’s bold proclamation angered the religious leaders, and they dragged him out of the city to stone him. Yet, even in the face of death, Stephen’s faith did not waver. As the stones rained down, Stephen looked up and saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, a powerful affirmation of his faith (Acts 7:55-56). His final words echoed those of Jesus on the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). In his last moments, Stephen displayed the ultimate Christ-like response to persecution—praying for the forgiveness of his executioners.

Lessons from Stephen’s Life

Stephen’s life, though brief, is a powerful example of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to Christ. Here are some key lessons we can learn from his story:

1. Boldness in Sharing the Gospel: Stephen’s willingness to speak the truth, even when it led to his death, inspires us to proclaim Christ boldly, regardless of opposition. As Acts 6:10 notes, those who opposed Stephen “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” His example calls us to rely on the Holy Spirit when sharing the gospel.

2. Servant Leadership: Stephen exemplified humility and service within the church. His faithful work as a deacon, described in Acts 6:3-5, shows the value of serving God’s people with a heart full of faith and the Holy Spirit. His role reminds us that every task in the body of Christ is significant when done for God’s glory.

3. Deep Knowledge of Scripture: Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7) underscores the importance of knowing and understanding God’s Word. By connecting the Old Testament to Christ, Stephen presented the gospel with clarity and conviction, teaching us the value of scriptural literacy in defending our faith.

4. Faith in the Face of Persecution: Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56) reassures us of the reward of faithfulness. Even in the face of death, Stephen remained steadfast, a reminder that God’s presence sustains us through life’s hardest moments.

5. Forgiveness as a Reflection of Christ: Stephen’s final prayer—“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60)—demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel. His words echo Jesus’ plea on the cross (Luke 23:34), showing us the depth of Christ-like love and forgiveness.

Stephen’s Legacy: An Inspiration for All Believers

Stephen’s story, though tragic, is not one of defeat but of victory—victory over fear, opposition, and even death. His testimony planted seeds in the heart of Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest missionaries in history. Acts 8:1 notes that Saul approved of Stephen’s execution, but this event marked the beginning of his journey toward Christ.

Stephen’s faithfulness reminds us that our lives, no matter how short or challenging, can have an eternal impact when lived for God’s glory. As Paul later wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”—a sentiment that surely applied to Stephen’s life as well.

As we reflect on Stephen’s unwavering faith, may we be inspired to serve humbly, proclaim boldly, and stand firm in our own walk with Christ. Like Stephen, we are called to be witnesses, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to fulfill God’s purpose, no matter the cost (Acts 1:8).