In what ways can we prepare to defend our faith like Stephen? setting the scene—Acts 7:1 “Then the high priest asked Stephen, ‘Are these charges true?’ ” Stephen’s reply fills the rest of chapter 7: a sweeping, Scripture-saturated defense that points to Christ. His example shows us how to get ready long before anyone asks us to give an answer. deep roots in scripture • Read the whole story line of the Bible—creation to Christ—so you can trace God’s faithfulness the way Stephen did (Acts 7:2-50). • Memorize key passages; when challenged, Stephen didn’t flip pages—he quoted from memory. • Let Scripture interpret Scripture: Stephen ties Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Amos, and Isaiah together, modeling 2 Timothy 3:16-17. filled with the spirit • Acts 6:5 says Stephen was “full of the Holy Spirit.” Cultivate a daily walk with the Spirit so your words carry His conviction (Luke 12:12). • Pray for boldness as the early church did (Acts 4:29-31). Boldness is evidence of Spirit-filling, not personality type. shaped by christlike character • Acts 6:8: “Stephen, full of grace and power…” Grace softens the hearer; power confronts error. We need both. • 1 Timothy 4:12—live in such a way that your life backs up your words. Integrity gives credibility. know the objections • Stephen understood the Sanhedrin’s traditions and addressed them from their own Scriptures. • Study common questions—about Jesus’ deity, the resurrection, moral objections—and prepare biblical responses (Jude 3). keep christ central • Stephen’s climax: “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Every defense should exalt Christ, not merely win an argument (1 Corinthians 2:2). speak with respect and courage • Stephen addressed the council as “Brothers and fathers” (Acts 7:2)—respectful yet truthful. • 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense…yet do so with gentleness and respect.” Courage and courtesy are not opposites. expect resistance • Opposition is normal (2 Timothy 3:12). Preparing mentally for pushback guards us from surprise or discouragement. • Stephen’s gaze fixed on Jesus (Acts 7:55) shows where to look when hostility rises. train with the church • Stephen was one of seven chosen by the congregation (Acts 6:3-6). Grow in community—debate, pray, and practice sharing. • Hebrews 10:24-25—stir one another to love and good works, including the defense of the gospel. live ready • Preparation isn’t a moment; it’s a lifestyle. Keep learning, stay surrendered, walk in holiness. When the unexpected question comes, you’ll be ready—as Stephen was—to lift up the unchanging truth of God’s Word. |
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