STEPHEN THE MARTYR (PART 1) – THE MARTYR DECLARES THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL

Dear Members in Christ,

Stephen the Martyr (Part 1) – The Martyr declares the Truth of the Gospel

One of the most startling account in the book of Acts is the martyrdom of Stephen. This man of faith was amongst the seven deacons whom the multitude had chosen upon the instruction of the apostles and the elders of the early church. God’s people, moved by the Holy Ghost, elected seven spirit-filled men to assist the elders and apostles in the ministry of the church. The Bible records this event in Acts 6:3.

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts 6:3

Stephen was one of the seven chosen to be deacons of the church. The word “deacon” is derived from the Greek word “diakonos” which means “servant.” The criteria given to the church was that these men must be “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” This phrase means that these are men who are seen to be walking in the Spirit. Their lives exhibit not just the fruit of the spirit, but also wisdom in applying their lives for the faithful service of God. Stephen was such a man, the Bible describes him as,

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Acts 6:8

Stephen demonstrated mighty acts of wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit. We must not mistake this account to mean that Christians in present day churches are encouraged to desire signs and wonders, tongues and miracles. The signs and wonders seen in Stephen and others in the book of Acts were signs given in the Apostolic age, to authenticate the ministry and the authority of the Apostles.

With this as a background, let us examine the events leading up to the martyrdom of Stephen. We can learn from this account of the faithfulness steadfastness of Stephen.

A. Stephen, the faithful deacon and apologist

In the face of opposition, the Deacon Stephen was a faithful servant. But we see that he fulfills the qualifications of a deacon given in 1 Timothy 3 to a tee. The Deacon Stephen’s service exhibited that he was more than just fit for serving the tables. By his skillful handling of the Scriptures, he demonstrated that he held “the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”

“Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Acts 6:9,10

In the account given above, Stephen the Deacon was able to defend the faith with great skill, for those opposing the Christian faith “were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake.” We pray that God will bless us with members of the church who are well versed with the Scriptures and are able to defend the truth of the gospel.

Dearly beloved, we may not see the urgency, but let us not be weary in the study of God’s Word. God has blessed us with many ways to be knowledgeable in His Word. There are Bible study groups within the church throughout the week to which you may avail yourself. There is every opportunity in the fellowship groups in church to learn and practice God’s Word. Besides, there are also online Bible college classes made available to our members.

B. The persecution of Stephen by evil men

For his apologetics (a word which means the defense of the faith), the deacon Stephen was hauled up before the council. At a time when the early church was growing steadily, the devil was at work. There were evil men ready to do the evil one’s bidding, they were set on hindering the work of the saints. These men trump up false charges against Stephen. 

“Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,” Acts 6:11,12

Their works of malice includes bribing and inducing others to make false accusations, an act which the KJV quite appropriately translates as “suborned”. The charge against Stephen was blasphemy, an accusation which is deserving of the death penalty. These men were determined to have Stephen killed, by hook or crook, by every trick they and their unholy allies can pull together. It is so true the Bible warns us, “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Philippians 1:28, 29.

Dearly beloved, let us be vigilant and prayerful for our adversary the devil seeks to devour every serving, faithful Christian. While we enjoy peace and prosperity, the devil will find our ways to persecute and deter us. It may be distractions by the “busyness” of life, or the ever tempting attractions of the pleasures of the flesh, or just the glitter of the riches of the world. When God works, the devil will work and deter God’s servants. Brothers and sisters, pray for one another. Especially, pray for those serving God as full-time servants, or office bearers of the church. Pray that God will protect them in their service. May God’s grace be upon us. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor