Stephen, A Man Of Faith And Tenacity Series

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