“A Life Full of Grace”
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great
wonders.” (v.8)
Stephen was prominent among the seven men chosen to oversee
daily ministries in Jerusalem (6:1-6). He received recognition for his wisdom,
faith, grace, and power and is known as being full of the Holy Spirit (6:5, 8,
10; 7:55). Throughout Acts, "filled with the Holy Spirit" describes
someone enabled by the Spirit to bear bold witness to the risen Christ (4:8,
31).
In today’s chapter, Stephen was falsely accused before the
Jewish court. The scene looks similar to the trial of Jesus recorded in Matthew
26, including false witnesses and a hostile crowd. When given the opportunity
to defend himself, Stephen defended God's work of salvation throughout history.
The accused became the accuser who charged his audience with rebellion against
God, which was displayed most definitively through their rejection of Christ.
The crowd's violent response (that of stoning him to death)
confirmed the allegation. Even in death, Stephen was full of God’s grace. Following
the example of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were an intercession for his
enemies (Acts 7:60).
As believers in Christ, the same Spirit indwells us, leading and
empowering us to bear fruit of great faith and the ministry of the gospel.
The Truth
“But to
you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who
hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke
6:27-28)
