What can we learn from Stephen's boldness when questioned by the high priest? The Scene: A Spirit-Filled Man under Fire Acts 6:8–7:1 paints the backdrop. Stephen, “full of grace and power,” is dragged before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses accuse him of blasphemy. Then: “Then the high priest asked, ‘Are these charges true?’ ” (Acts 7:1). In that moment Stephen models a boldness every believer can learn from. Boldness Begins with a Spirit-Filled Life • Acts 6:5 – Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” • Acts 6:10 – His opponents “could not stand up to the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke.” • Cross-reference: Luke 12:11-12; Jesus promised the Spirit would give words when disciples stand before rulers. Takeaway: Bold witness isn’t personality; it’s overflow. When the Spirit governs the heart, courage becomes natural. Boldness Stands on Scripture’s Authority • Stephen answers the high priest with a sweeping history lesson (Acts 7:2-53), rooting every point in the written Word. • He cites Abraham (Genesis 12), Joseph (Genesis 37-50), Moses (Exodus), and the prophets. • 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms Scripture’s inspiration; Stephen treats it that way—fact, not mere opinion. Takeaway: The Word anchors conviction. Knowing it well lets us speak decisively when questioned. Boldness Keeps Christ at the Center • Stephen finishes by accusing the council of betraying and murdering “the Righteous One” (Acts 7:52). • Acts 4:12 reminds us: “There is no other name under heaven… by which we must be saved.” Takeaway: True courage points to Jesus, not to self-defense or reputation management. Boldness Chooses Truth over Safety • Stephen knows hostile leaders killed Jesus (Acts 5:30). Still he refuses to soften the message. • Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” • Revelation 12:11 – Overcomers “did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.” Takeaway: Biblical boldness weighs eternal realities heavier than temporal comfort. Boldness Speaks with Respect yet Unflinching Honesty • Stephen addresses them as “Brothers and fathers” (Acts 7:2)—respectful, yet he still declares, “You stiff-necked people” (v. 51). • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” Takeaway: Courtesy and candor aren’t opposites; together they mark Spirit-led courage. Boldness Is Strengthened by a Heavenly Perspective • As stones fly, Stephen “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56). • Colossians 3:1-2 urges us to set minds “on things above.” Takeaway: Seeing reality from Christ’s throne shrinks earthly threats. Boldness Bears Fruit Beyond the Moment • Acts 8:1 – Saul approves the execution, yet that seed of witness later blossoms into Paul’s conversion (Acts 9). • Acts 11:19 – Persecution scattered believers, spreading the gospel further. Takeaway: Courage today may ignite revival tomorrow; results belong to God. Putting It All Together Stephen’s response to the high priest shows that boldness: 1. Flows from the Holy Spirit. 2. Rests on Scripture. 3. Exalts Christ. 4. Prefers truth over safety. 5. Balances respect with honesty. 6. Fixes eyes on heaven. 7. Trusts God for the harvest. Live the same way, and when culture asks, “Are these things true?” we’ll answer with Spirit-empowered conviction—just like Stephen. |
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