To the Ends of the Earth, Part 9
Stephen, a man of Faith and Tenacity
Acts 6:8-15 Acts 7:1-60
Introduction
- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”
-- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise)
-- And we looked ahead, anticipated the coming & victory of Jesus (Revelation)
-- But, in order to get to the end, we have to be busy doing the work now (Acts)
- Last week … we saw several reasons to remain loyal – it showed us that:
-- When believers step up (obey) and serve, something amazing happens:
• The word of God increases
• The church grows because of the work of the Gospel
• More lives are added to the kingdom because of what Jesus has done
- Today, we will explore one of the greatest men of early church, Stephen
-- Note: LOTS TO READ BUT NOT A LOT TO PREACH! Why?
-- Because when a “sermon” presents itself like this, you just need to appreciate it!
-- We’ll highlight a few things but there is no need to take it apart verse by verse
- Read Acts 6:8 – 7:60 / Pray
Point 1 – Stephen: the Church’s First Martyr
- Know this: Stephen was a layman, a regular guy - a servant in the Church
-- His name comes from Greek: stephanos, meaning crown (garland)
-- He was called to be a first elder – he was proven as a trustworthy man of God
-- Four things to see about him and the work he did in the church. He was …
1. A man full of grace & power, he was doing great things for God (v8)
-- As an elder, he was found constantly doing God’s work
-- His focus was simple: to point people to Jesus
- His character is defined by the two words Luke uses to describe him:
-- Greek: charis; grace or kindness Greek: dunamis; power, might, strength
2. A man who defended the faith (vv9-10)
- Notice this – even as he was challenged, he stood firm (he was not swayed)
-- The Synagogue of the Freedmen is called the Synagogue of the Libertines (KJV)
-- The word libertine is from Latin & originally referred to a “freed slave” (liberty)
- Some scholars believe that these persons were freed slaves of the Romans
-- They became converts to the Jewish religion and had a synagogue in Jerusalem
-- APP: They were defenders of their beliefs, and challengers of Christianity
3. A man who stood against opposition (vv11-14)
- Don’t miss the obvious here – these Freedmen had great influence in the city
-- Attempting to stir up trouble, they simply went at Stephen with untruths
-- FACT: The only way to convince others to lie is if you can exert influence
- Second only to Jesus claiming to be God, blaspheming Moses was unforgiveable
-- RE: This is the father of Jewish faith; the great rescuer of the Egyptian slaves
-- Lying or blaspheming his reputation meant real problems in Jerusalem
- More so … look at the stirring of the pot that happens: re-read v14 …
-- Greek: Iésous (ee-sous); Jesus (they are very specific about who they talk about)
- Twisting Jesus’ claim to restore the temple in 3 days – they compound the lie
-- But they completely miss the actual promise of Jesus: Matthew 5:17, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
-- Yet, Stephen stands strong in the face of this opposition … because he was …
4. A man of great communion – surrounded by the Lord’s presence (v15)
- When bible uses the phrase “face of an angel”; it speaks of facial expression
-- We can derive that God gave him some sort of radiance here, but its more …
- Moses had this as well: Exodus 34:29-30, “When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.”
- It demonstrates someone at peace with the mission ahead – at peace with God
-- It further illustrates a person who is firm in their resolve to show Christ
-- APP: For us, our countenance should represent how we feel about Him
-- Not knowing what kind of reaction you’ll get – there is still peace within
- Stephen was not afraid to witness and tell the truth … even when lied about
-- Why? (BIG) Because the applause he sought was that of Jesus Christ alone
-- His face shone because He loved God; b/c he knew Christ’s forgiveness!!
-- CHALL: That alone is worth coming to church to get excited about! (pause)
- TR: Why does even Stephen’s (or ours) expression matter?
Point 2 – Even when facing death, assurance in Jesus is enough!
- Stephen defended himself – but not with a legal defense against his accusers
-- He defended himself by proclaiming God’s mercy and grace in Israel’s history
-- Look at how he outlines why they are where they are (it’s an incredible sermon)
- He shows us the birth of Israel, a gift given as an inheritance (vv2-8)
-- Never forget, these men would have known about their nation’s history
-- The good (everyone talks about it) and the bad (or even the ugly – the ignored)
-- They knew where they had come from, and Stephen perfectly summarizes it
- But … then he shows how Israel, God’s chosen people, rejected God three times!
• First was their forefathers who rejected God’s servant, Joseph (vv9-16)
• Second was rejecting God’s chosen servant, Moses (vv17-29)
• Third was of rejecting God and Moses (vv30-41)
- So, he proclaims a very simple truth to these men listening:
-- God has imposed very severe charges against the nation of Israel (vv42-53)
-- Stephen quotes the prophet Amos 5:25-27 referring to their godlessness, “Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god - which you made for yourselves. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty.”
- BIG: Israel, rebelliously, has chosen who their God will be – & God has had it!
- Going deeper, Stephen recites the words of Isaiah 66:1-2, “This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord.”
- AND what have about the men who are now in charge? Re-read Acts 7:51-53!
-- As you can imagine, this leads to one action: Greek: martus; martyr
-- Consider: Can you tell me ONE thing Stephen said that was in error?
-- Feel free to fact check anything he said with the OT (or even Hebrew history)
- TR: However, even in the face of impending death, there is STILL good news!
BIG IDEA
- Never forget this: God provides for the persecuted believer (vv55-58)
-- If God cares for the seeds in the ground (re: creation), He cares about you also!!
- As Stephen is rushed, he sees a most encouraging image before him
-- He sees Jesus, standing (v56) – always referred to as seated at the right hand
-- BIG: Jesus gave this man a standing ovation – an applause for his faithfulness
- Why does this matter? What should it do to encourage you and me today?
1. A believer must have supreme confidence in God’s plan (v59)
2. A believer must have a forgiving spirit, knowing that God is in charge (v60)
3. A believer must have assurance in their departure to be with Christ (v60)
- Consider: Jesus’ words as they nailed Him to the cross on Calvary:
-- Luke 23:34, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
-- In great similarity, Stephen asks the same of God against these men
-- Greek: histémi; to make to stand, to stand
-- Greek: dexios; at the right hand
-- Greek: Theos; God (creator of all things)
- I often wonder, was Stephen part of the crowd at Calvary?
-- Could his heart have been so moved that Jesus imprinted that on his life?
-- Do we have this response when persecuted? Do we seek applause from Him?
-- Truly, Stephen is a model for how to remain faithful without fear of unknown
-- What you and I are faced with now is how will we respond to life’s challenges?
- Pray
