Monday, 15 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Acts 6:5

Stephen is one of seven men chosen to serve as leaders within the early church. His job… to coordinate the feeding of the widows within their congregation!

God’s heart for the poor and the oppressed is such that he raises up godly men like Stephen to manage and serve within the church community so that no-one goes without. This is God’s economy in action.

Tuesday, 16 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8

Have you noticed that Stephen always tends to be full of stuff?!! We’re not far into his story and we’ve already been told he’s full of faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, power, oh and wisdom too!*

But what a way to be known by your community! It’s also helpful that Luke (the author of Acts) does this. It gives us a sense of what being filled with the Holy Spirit looks like.

*Wisdom is inferred from Acts 6:3

Wednesday, 17 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) … who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Acts 6:9-10

There will always be people who disagree with Jesus’ perspective on God, life and the world. Some will even feel so threatened by Jesus that real opposition and persecution may arise because of our association with him. This was the case for Stephen. But notice what today’s verses communicate: it was as Stephen spoke that the Spirit gave him wisdom. As we step out in faith the Spirit equips us.

Thursday, 18 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." … They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. Acts 6:11-12

Some Christians would say that if you’re not receiving any visible opposition from people then your message isn’t the same as Jesus’. I don’t know if that is the case or not, but what I do know is that Jesus’ good news was revolutionary and carried huge political, social and spiritual implications that riled the rich and powerful. Stephen was arrested on trumped up charges for sharing this good news!

Friday, 19 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

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 7:55

This is the third time in this short story that Stephen is mentioned as being full of the Holy Spirit. Why do you think the author of Acts wants to emphasis this point?

The Holy Spirit is God’s empowering presence working in and through and around us. Why not ask God to fill you with his Spirit afresh today?

Saturday, 20 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Acts 7:57-58

Can you imagine the scene: grown men acting like small children throwing a tantrum; the dragging of Stephen through the city streets; the vicious stoning?

Stephen’s comment elicited this incredible reaction because he’d just communicated that Jesus was on the same level or footing as God (i.e. the early church way of saying that Jesus was God). The Jewish religious leaders considered this blasphemy and stoned him…

Sunday, 21 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Stephen

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

Stonings are violent occasions. Men spurred on by religious fervour throw stones the size of their fists as hard as they can at a defenceless man or woman. Stephen probably took several direct hits before dying... amazingly, he takes the time to pray for God’s mercy and not his justice to be received by his perpetrators.

When someone wrongs you what do you desire: Justice or mercy?