Day 8 - Stephen

Read: Acts 6:8-7:1, 7:54-60

Reflect: Stephen was an early leader in the church in Jerusalem. He helped lighten the load on the twelve disciples (Acts 6:2-5) when it came to the practical running of the church. He was called “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost”. He put that faith in action by the simple task of “serving tables”. Unfortunately when you are doing things for God often it invites the attention of Satan. Stephen was sharing about Christ and it led to a dispute among and the eventual trial of Stephen for speaking blasphemously. Unfortunately blasphemy in those days was to speak the truth of Christ. False accusations were everywhere and then the council turned to let Stephen speak. You can read his entire sermon in Acts 7:2-53, but it was enough to confirm the charges against him. Stephen’s faith was in action in the face of death. Stephen was then stoned, becoming the first recorded martyr for Christ.

Respond: Our world today finds many Biblical truths to be blasphemous. Even claiming the only way to heaven is through Jesus has become unacceptable. Stephen did not let the risk of death stop him from speaking biblical truth. What things stop you? Pray for God to give you the faith to do the small things (like waiting tables) or the big things (stand up for Biblical truth in the face of strong opposition).