Living and Dying for Christ

Good character, righteous living, the power of Holy Spirit and steadfast faith are required to hold onto Christ from the time of one's salvation to death. Acts 6:8 - Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. The followings are discussed: Empowered to Save; Falsely Accused, and First Christian Martyr.

Empowered to Serve: The Early Church was growing larger as new members were being added. It got to a time when spiritual leaders and facilities were no longer adequate to meet needs of the people. Seemly uneven distribution of aid resulted in complaints by the Grecian believers against Hebrew believers (Acts 6:1-7). The apostles offered sensible solution to the controversy by asking the followers to appoint men of impeccable character that would oversee and make provision for physical and spiritual needs. The seven men chosen were prayed for and assigned leadership roles. The roles of deacons in churches today should be same as the chosen leaders of the early Church. Deacons are expected to be spirit-filled believers, support pastors and use their God-given talent to advance the cause of gospel.

The work of the first deacons didn't end in meeting physical needs, the men were effective in other areas of the ministry. Stephen was dignified by great wonders and miracles done through him (Acts 6:8 ). He was full of faith and enabled by the power of Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim gospel and perform miracles. God is willing and will release His Spirit for believers to minister and confirm his word with miracles (Mark 16:17-20).

Falsely Accused: Stephen's ministry was challenged in the synagogue as he was presenting Jesus and giving the accounts of persecution of the Old testament prophets. Some Jewish people felt guilty of his presentation that they wanted him dead (Acts 6:9-10). They alleged that Stephen contravened the law of Moses, said Jesus would change the custom and therefore should be put to death (Acts 6:11-15; Leviticus 24:16).  Stephen was unruffled by the Council's decision over the false charge against him. There was peace within him as his face appeared as the face of an angel. God will uphold those who rely on Him in the times of trouble (Luke 12:11-12; 1 Peter 2:20-23; Mathew 5:10-11).

First Christian Martyr: Stephen presented a defence which gave the account of Israel's attitude towards the prophets, including the ones that foretold the coming of the Messiah (Acts 7:51-54). They were so troubled by Stephen's word and ground their teeth in rage. Stephen made it known that the people were not better than heathen gentiles for rejecting the prophets and Jesus as the Messiah. Stephen testified to presence of Christ and the glory of God as he was being dragged out to be killed (Acts 7:55-60). He asked Jesus to receive his spirit and that Lord should forgive his murderers.  It was recorded that Saul who was later converted and named Paul was part of the Council that approved Stephen's execution.