Stephen – A Respected Leader Who Stood Strong

Actions of The People, Part 2

Stephen – A Respected Leader Who Stood Strong

2021-07-11

Charles Billingsley

Acts 6:1-5a (CSB) In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit…

1. Stephen had a GOOD REPUTATION

Acts 6:3b … select from among you seven men of good reputation…

  • He was also full of the SPIRIT AND WISDOM
  • The people were pleased to choose him to serve
  • Would you BE CHOSEN FOR THIS GROUP

2. Stephen brought DIVERSITY TO THE CHURCH

Acts 6:3b …from among you…

  • To this point, the church was of “one accord” meaning Jews who believed
  • In chapter 6, we are introduced to the “Hellenists” who were Greek speaking Jews and were DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHERS
  • Stephen was one of the Hellenists who expanded the reach of the church to represent the WILL OF GOD

3. The work of God expands WHEN MANY CONTRIBUTE

  • Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.
  • Stephen and the others contributed to the spread of the Gospel
  • When we are willing to be used, GOD WILL DO A GREAT WORK
  • The greatness of the work is dependent on our OBEDIENCE

4. Stephen stood strong regardless of the OPPOSITION

Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people

  • Stephen was respected because of his willingness to stand for truth
  • God never called us to be popular, He called us to be faithful – Rev. Jerry Falwell
  • Acts 6:11-12 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, seized him, and took him to the Sanhedrin
  • Stephen’s sensitivity to the SPIRIT made all the difference in his impact

5. Stephen knew how to deal with CONFLICT

Acts 6:15 And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel

  • The natural human reaction to lies being told about us is TO SEEK REVENGE
  • We desire revenge in the face of these attacks, but Stephen’s Spirit-led response is a great example
  • His sermon in Acts 7 shows his willingness TO STAND ON TRUTH IN THE FACE OF LIES

6. Even when they continued to attack, HE FORGAVE

Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after saying this, he fell asleep

  • He left an example, as Jesus did, to forgive those who harmed him
  • This is only possible through a life lived “full of grace and power”
  • Does this example REFLECT YOUR LIFE?

What about YOU?

1, Do you have a GOOD REPUTATION?

2. Are you living IN THE SPIRIT?

3. Do you face opposition with GRACE?

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