What steps can we take to uphold truth in our community and church?

The Lie Exposed in Acts 6:13

“They presented false witnesses who testified, ‘This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.’”

Stephen’s accusers twisted his words to silence truth. Their tactic—fabricating testimony—still threatens churches and communities today.

---

Recognizing the Patterns of False Witness

• Deliberate distortion (Psalm 52:3–4)

• Half-truths mixed with error (Genesis 3:1)

• Personal agendas cloaked in religious language (Mark 7:9)

---

Step One: Anchor Everything in the Word

• Measure every claim against Scripture (Acts 17:11).

• Teach the full counsel of God, not selective verses (Acts 20:27).

• Memorize key passages on truth, e.g., John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16–17.

---

Step Two: Cultivate Truth-Loving Leaders

• Select servants “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3).

• Require transparent lives above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2).

• Provide accountability through plural leadership (Proverbs 11:14).

---

Step Three: Create a Culture of Open Verification

• Encourage members to test every teaching (1 John 4:1).

• Welcome respectful questions and biblical dialogue (Proverbs 18:13).

• Publicly correct misinformation as soon as it surfaces (Titus 1:9).

---

Step Four: Speak Truth Even When Costly

• Stephen’s example shows bold witness may invite hostility (Acts 7:51–54).

• Fear God more than people (Matthew 10:28).

• Rejoice when suffering for truth’s sake (1 Peter 4:14).

---

Step Five: Guard Tongues and Reputations

• Refuse gossip and unverified reports (Exodus 23:1).

• Confront sin privately first, following Matthew 18:15–17.

• Let speech be “seasoned with salt” yet clear (Colossians 4:6).

---

Step Six: Pray for Discernment and Boldness

• Ask for wisdom to spot deceit (James 1:5).

• Seek courage to uphold truth with grace (Ephesians 6:19).

---

Living the Difference

By rooting ourselves in Scripture, raising trustworthy leaders, insisting on verification, and speaking with Spirit-empowered courage, we mirror Stephen’s fidelity and silence modern false witnesses.