What does Stephen's demeanor in Acts 6:15 teach about facing opposition? Setting the Scene Acts 6 finds Stephen hauled before the Sanhedrin, falsely accused and surrounded by hostile leaders. Right then, verse 15 captures a breathtaking detail: “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 We Notice in the Text • Everyone is “looking intently,” yet Stephen shows no fear. • His face mirrors heavenly peace—“like the face of an angel.” • This arresting calm appears before he says a single word of defense (Acts 7). What Stephen’s Demeanor Teaches About Facing Opposition • Spirit‐given composure trumps human intimidation. • Visible peace testifies as powerfully as spoken words. • Inner assurance of truth can radiate outwardly. • God sometimes marks His servants with unmistakable evidence of His presence (cf. Exodus 34:29). Keys Behind Stephen’s Calm 1. Filled with the Spirit (Acts 6:5) 2. Anchored in grace and power (Acts 6:8) 3. Saturated in Scripture (Acts 7 demonstrates his biblical grasp) 4. Focused on Christ, not the crowd (Colossians 3:1–2) Lessons for Our Own Opposition Moments • Rely on the Holy Spirit: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). • Keep conscience clear: “Maintain a good conscience, so that those who slander you…may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:16). • Let God guard your peace: “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is steadfast” (Isaiah 26:3). • Remember the outcome: heavenly approval outweighs earthly verdicts (Matthew 5:11–12). Simple Practices to Cultivate a Stephen‐Like Countenance • Daily Scripture intake—truth shapes perspective. • Regular prayer for Spirit‐fullness (Ephesians 5:18). • Worship in hardship—praise shifts the atmosphere (Acts 16:25). • Fellowship with bold believers—courage is contagious (Hebrews 10:24–25). Encouraging Companion Verses • Psalm 34:5—“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” • Luke 21:15—“I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” • 2 Corinthians 3:18—“We…are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory.” The Takeaway Stephen shows that a believer, fully yielded to the Spirit and confident in God’s Word, can face fierce opposition with an otherworldly calm that speaks louder than any accusation. |
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