Acts 6 - 4.18.25
Scripture: Acts 6:8-10, 15 NIV
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”
Observation:
Stephen was one of the 7 chosen to assist the ministry and be sure everyone was treated fairly as there were complaints about some widows being overlooked in the food distribution.
It says twice he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
It also says he was full of grace and power and that he performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Opposition arose and members of the synagogue argued with him. They also got false witnesses to testify against him.
Their arguments could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
Application:
God gave Stephen wisdom as he spoke ahead of time so he knew what he would be saying. That took a lot of faith. I want to grow to do this too.
His trust in God reaped great rewards. He walked with God following Jesus’s example. This caused many to believe and others to protest. He also was able to perform “great wonders and signs.” He had bold faith.
What a great goal to have - Be like Stephen whose face shone like an angel.
Prayer:
Lord, what a great example Stephen was. He walked in complete surrender and You did mighty things through him. Please help me to first look to you and follow your plan in complete surrender to your will. Help me be humble and know it is you moving. May I bring you glory as You work. You are full of power and glory. Thank you for making that power available to your followers as we extend you had of healing and more to others. Amen
- Cindy Howard
