Brother Stephen delivered a message centered on the significance of Stephen, the first martyr in the Book of Acts. He emphasized that Stephen was filled with grace and power, performing wonders and facing opposition from the synagogue. Despite being accused of blasphemy, Stephen remained steadfast, seeing the glory of God and Jesus at His right hand before being stoned. Stephen's life and martyrdom marked a pivotal moment in the early Church, illustrating the transition from Judaism to a new faith in Christ. Stephen's role as a deacon and his ministry to Hellenistic Jews highlighted the Church's growth and the challenges it faced during its adolescent phase. Stephen's vision of the Church as a living organism, rather than an organization, underscored the importance of spiritual life over legalistic traditions. His martyrdom signified the beginning of the separation between Christianity and Judaism, paving the way for the Apostle Paul and the spread of the Gospel. Stephen's legacy serves as a reminder of the Church's divine purpose and the necessity of embracing the new life in Christ.
Introduction and prayer
Stephen's role in the early Church
Opposition faced by Stephen
Significance of Stephen's martyrdom
Transition from Judaism to Christianity
Church as a living organism
Legacy of Stephen and its impact on the Apostle Paul
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 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, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.