Acts 7. “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people… [those disputing] could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (Acts 6:8,10)

When I read Stephen’s story in Acts 6-7 it reminds me of Matthew 10:19-20 when Jesus said, “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you.”  It is very clear that Stephen was gifted to speak, and that God was working in a mighty way through his witness and testimony. Bible scholars offer helpful outlines of Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7; highlighting his masterful use of history, names, Jewish identity markers, and more. The whole speech is incredible.

I am still reflecting on how I would have responded if I had been present that day. Honestly, I think I would have encouraged Stephen to tone it down a little. I mean really, can’t he just shhhhusshhhh and stand down? Why does he have to go poking all the important people in the eye?! Saying stuff like that could ruin your career! Or get you killed! (Obviously.)

There is part of me that wonders how amazing Stephen would have been, if he had lived. He would have possibly been more charismatic and influential than the apostle Paul. It seems like a tragedy that Stephen was killed just as the early church was birthed. I just do not like this chapter. It seems like a waste of life, someone who could really have had an impact on the expansion of the kingdom of God.

Have you ever been confused about God’s intentions behind the events He allows into your life?

Maybe Stephen did have a great impact on the early church. Maybe his death as the first martyr – with so many links and comparisons to the death of Christ – maybe this was somehow a good thing for the early church? Maybe his strength in the Spirit, his words and confidence, his unflappable character, his willingness to confront authority – maybe these things were an important example to the early church.

Perhaps you saw the news clip recently when Bishop Marion Budde, the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, pleaded for mercy and justice and made President Trump angry with her inauguration week sermon? Agree or disagree with what she had to say, she is the clearest recent example of someone speaking truth to power at what (I am sure will be) great cost to her career.

Speaking truth to power runs counter to self-preservation.

In what area of your life would you like to have more courage or wisdom? What might you have to let go of to allow God to use you? What stood out to you from Acts 7?