There are some Bible lessons that stay with you long after the class is over. I was teaching children's Sunday school recently and we opened our Bibles to the book of Acts. The lesson was about a man named Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early church. As I taught those little ones, I kept thinking that this is a lesson every one of us needs to hear. So I want to share it with you today.
Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early church. The apostles, seeing that the needs of the widows were going unmet, called upon the congregation to choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to serve. Stephen was among those chosen.
"And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." — Acts 6:5 (KJV)
He was appointed to serve the tables of the widows, a humble task. But Stephen did not stop there. He was also a bold witness for Jesus Christ, performing great wonders and miracles among the people and speaking with such wisdom that no one could stand against him.
"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." — Acts 6:8 (KJV)
His boldness stirred up opposition. Religious leaders brought false witnesses against him and dragged him before the council. Rather than shrink back, Stephen stood firm and gave a powerful account of Israel's history from Abraham all the way to Jesus Christ, declaring that they had rejected and betrayed the Righteous One.
"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." — Acts 7:51 (KJV)
The crowd was furious. They gnashed their teeth at him. But in that moment, surrounded by those who wanted him dead, Stephen looked up.
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." — Acts 7:55 (KJV)
He saw Jesus. Standing. As if to welcome him home.
They cast him out of the city and stoned him. And as the stones fell, Stephen did not cry out in anger or fear. He knelt down and prayed:
"Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." — Acts 7:60 (KJV)
And then he fell asleep.
What a testimony. Stephen served faithfully in the small things, waiting on tables and caring for widows. He spoke boldly when called upon. And when the cost became the ultimate price, he faced it with his eyes fixed on heaven and forgiveness on his lips.
May we all have that kind of faith, faithful in the small, bold in the moment, and peaceful in the end.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." — Philippians 1:21 (KJV)
And if you are looking for a meaningful way to honor a mother in your life this Mother's Day, we invite you to browse our King James Scripture Gift Sets at Kinsman & Company. Each set is crafted with women of faith in mind and rooted in the Word of God. You can also read the full story of Stephen for yourself in Acts chapters 6 and 7 at Bible Gateway.
