This is approximately a 30-minute bible study. All scripture references are links to Logos Bible software.
Acts 7:58-60 ESV:
Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Today our study will unveil a pivotal moment in early Christian history, centering around the life, message, and tragic death of Stephen. This faithful disciple’s story is a testament to unwavering faith, bold proclamation, and the ultimate sacrifice for the Gospel. His character, preaching, and death reveal his unwavering faithfulness to the Lord Jesus. The impact was everlasting as Saul was soon after converted. The impact that Stephen’s life had on Saul was profound as he would later become the writer we know as Paul. I pray as we study today that Luke’s record of Stephen will impact us profoundly. May we also be faithful till the end.
I. The Appointment of Stephen (Acts 6:7-8 ESV)
As the early Church continued to grow, the need for dedicated servants arose. Seven men, including Stephen, were chosen to serve in practical roles, addressing the daily distribution of food. Stephen’s appointment is marked by his deep faith and fullness of the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for his impactful ministry. As believers, we too have been appointed to good works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV
II. Stephen’s Dynamic Ministry and Miracles (Acts 6:8-10 ESV)
Stephen’s service went beyond practical matters; he performed great signs and wonders among the people. His ministry wasn’t limited to meeting physical needs but extended to the supernatural, attesting to the divine power working through him. in obedience to the Gospel we have eternal power working in us. God chose us to carry out His work. That prayer, or that helpful word of encouragement, that song of praise, that gift you gave, all these have supernatural power. They are natural things that the Holy Spirit uses to transform lives. The greatest miracle on earth is the conversion of a lost soul. That is eternal!
III. Opposition and False Accusations (Acts 6:11-14 ESV)
As Stephen boldly proclaimed the Gospel, opposition arose from certain religious groups. False witnesses accused him of blasphemy against Moses and God, reflecting the tension between the emerging Christian faith and established religious authorities. We should not be surprised when opposition comes.
IV. Stephen’s Defense and Historical Overview (Acts 7:1-53 ESV)
In response to the accusations, Stephen delivers a compelling defense, tracing Israel’s history from Abraham to Moses. He highlights God’s faithfulness, the role of the Tabernacle, and the prophets, emphasizing that God’s presence isn’t confined to a physical structure. Stephen preached the Word of God. This is our only offensive weapon. It is our source of absolute truth. As a two-edged sword, it will either cut us for healing or cut us to destruction. We speak the Word of truth and the Holy Spirit does the convicting.
V. Stephen’s Bold Confrontation (Acts 7:54-58 ESV)
As Stephen concludes his defense, he confronts the religious leaders, accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the righteous one, Jesus. This bold proclamation infuriates the leaders, leading to Stephen’s dramatic fate. In the face of rejection and outright hatred, he preaches the Gospel. How could he be so bold? Verse 5 says “he was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” Boldness is evidence of a person filled with the Spirit.
VI. Stephen’s Martyrdom (Acts 7:59-60 ESV)
Facing intense opposition, Stephen experiences a vision of the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Despite the imminent danger, he forgives his persecutors and, with unwavering faith, commits his spirit to the Lord. Stephen becomes the Church’s first martyr, setting a profound example of faithfulness unto death. 1many thousands of men and women will face martyrdom in the millennia to come. Even in our present-day souls are facing this fate.
On March 2, 2011, Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated in Islamabad. Gunmen ambushed his car, firing multiple shots and leaving pamphlets at the crime scene that denounced him for opposing the blasphemy laws. His assassination sent shockwaves through the international community, highlighting the dangers faced by those who stand up for religious freedom in certain regions. Shahbaz Bhatti’s life and sacrifice serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for religious freedom and the persecution faced by Christians and other religious minorities in various parts of the world. His commitment to his faith and his advocacy for the marginalized make him a modern-day example of someone who endured persecution for his beliefs.
VII. The Message of Stephen: Proclaiming Christ Unashamedly
Stephen’s defense in Acts 7 ESV not only provides a historical overview but becomes a powerful proclamation of the Gospel. His focus shifts from historical details to the present reality of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. He fearlessly declares Jesus as the Righteous One, pointing to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
- Stephen’s Christological Emphasis (Acts 7:52-53 ESV): Stephen boldly accuses the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the Righteous One, establishing a direct link between their rejection of Jesus and the actions of their forefathers.
- Stephen’s Vision of Christ (Acts 7:55 ESV): In the climax of his message, Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision affirms Jesus’ exalted position and the divine approval of Stephen’s testimony.
VIII. Stephen and Saul (Paul): An Unexpected Connection
Stephen’s martyrdom plays a pivotal role in the early life of Saul, who later becomes the apostle Paul. While not present at Stephen’s stoning, Saul is introduced in Acts 7:58 ESV as a young man who guarded the garments of those executing Stephen.
- Saul’s Approval of Stephen’s Death (Acts 8:1 ESV): Following Stephen’s death, Saul approves of the persecution against the Church, marking the beginning of his zealous opposition to the Christian movement.
- Acts 22:20 (ESV): “And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.”
- Saul’s Transformation (Acts 9:1-22 ESV): The story comes full circle when Saul encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. This encounter leads to Saul’s conversion, transforming him from a persecutor to a passionate follower of Jesus.
IX. Questions to Consider:
- What aspects of Stephen’s defense resonate with the present challenges faced by Christians in sharing their faith?
- Answer: Stephen’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming Christ despite opposition challenges us to boldly share our faith in a world that may resist the Gospel.
- How does Stephen’s unwavering faith and commitment to Christ inspire us in the midst of opposition?
- Answer: Stephen’s courage inspires us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in the sovereign Lord, who vindicates His faithful witnesses.
- In what ways can we apply Stephen’s boldness in proclaiming Christ in our daily lives?
- Answer: We can apply Stephen’s boldness by fearlessly sharing the Gospel, regardless of opposition, and relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom.
X. Applying the Scripture:
Stephen’s story challenges us to boldly proclaim Christ in the face of opposition and persecution. His unwavering commitment and ultimate sacrifice for the Gospel serve as a timeless example for Christians today. As we navigate the complexities of sharing our faith, may Stephen’s courage inspire us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in the sovereign Lord, who vindicates His faithful witnesses.