How can Acts 6:15 inspire us to deepen our faith and witness boldly? Setting the Scene “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15) What Acts 6:15 Reveals About Stephen • Surrounded by hostile leaders, Stephen remains calm and radiant. • The Holy Spirit so fills him that even his face reflects heavenly glory. • His demeanor authenticates his message before he speaks a single word (see Acts 7). Lessons for Deepening Our Faith • Pursue fullness of the Spirit. Luke records that Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). Depth of faith flows from constant submission to the Spirit. • Trust God’s presence in pressure. Stephen’s angel-like countenance shows that God can manifest His nearness most clearly in trials (cf. Psalm 34:7). • Let Scripture shape perspective. Stephen’s later sermon (Acts 7) traces God’s faithful acts through history, proving he had internalized the Word. A Scripture-saturated mind steadies the heart. Lessons for Bold Witness • Radiant character precedes courageous speech. People noticed Stephen’s face before hearing his defense, reminding us that integrity opens doors for testimony (Matthew 5:16). • Confidence flows from communion. Knowing God is with us removes fear of man (Proverbs 29:25). • The Spirit empowers clarity. Stephen’s forthcoming message will cut straight to the heart (Acts 7:51-53) because the same Spirit that shone on his face directed his words. Practical Ways to Reflect Christ’s Glory Today 1. Schedule unhurried time in God’s Word and prayer each day, expecting real transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18). 2. Fast from attitudes that dim the light—complaint, bitterness, fear—and replace them with praise and thanksgiving (Philippians 2:14-15). 3. Share one clear testimony of God’s faithfulness this week with someone who needs hope, trusting the Spirit for boldness (2 Timothy 1:7). 4. Engage opposition graciously, remembering that Christ’s presence outweighs any earthly threat (Matthew 28:20). 5. Cultivate a supportive fellowship where believers pray over one another to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18-19). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Exodus 34:29 – Moses’ shining face after meeting with the LORD prefigures Stephen’s radiance, linking God’s glory to intimate communion. • 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts...” The same creative power illuminates believers today. • 1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense...” Inner devotion fuels outward readiness. Stephen’s illuminated face in Acts 6:15 is not a rare exception but an invitation. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, anchoring ourselves in Scripture, and stepping into conversations with Christ-centered confidence, we too can shine and speak with heavenly boldness. |
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