How can we respond like Stephen when faced with hostility for our faith? Hostility Ignites — the Setting of Acts 7:54 “On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him.” (Acts 7:54) • Stephen has just finished a Spirit-anointed message exposing the leaders’ rebellion against God. • Their furious reaction reminds us that faithful proclamation of truth can provoke extreme hostility (cf. 2 Timothy 3:12). Seeing the Glory Above the Fury “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55) • Hostility on earth was eclipsed by a greater vision—Jesus alive, ruling, intervening. • Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • When attacks come, intentionally lift your gaze: – Remind yourself of Christ’s present reign (Ephesians 1:20-22). – Recall His promise never to leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6). Filled, Not Flustered • Luke highlights that Stephen is “full of the Holy Spirit.” • This filling is available now (Ephesians 5:18). – Ask, yield, and walk in step with Him daily (Galatians 5:25). – Spirit-fullness produces courage, clarity, and calm—fruit of the Spirit rather than fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Speaking Truth with Grace • Stephen tells what he sees: “Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) • He does not water down the message to quiet the mob. – Ephesians 4:15 calls us to “speak the truth in love.” • Practical pointers: – Anchor every word in Scripture, not opinion. – Keep the focus on Christ’s person and work, not personal grievances. – Maintain a tone shaped by compassion, not contempt (Colossians 4:6). Entrusting Justice to the Lord “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit…Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59-60) • Stephen models Jesus’ own words from the cross (Luke 23:34,46). • Romans 12:19—“Do not avenge yourselves…‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” • Why forgive? – It reflects the gospel’s mercy (Ephesians 4:32). – It frees us from bitterness so we can keep witnessing. Promised Blessing in Persecution • Matthew 5:11-12: “Blessed are you when people insult you…Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” • 1 Peter 4:14: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” • Hostility becomes a platform for heavenly reward and deeper fellowship with Christ. Practical Steps for Us Today • Daily abide in the Word so truth is ready on your tongue (John 15:5-7). • Stay consistently prayerful; Spirit-dependence is cultivated before crises arise. • Surround yourself with believers who will encourage and intercede (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Prepare a gentle yet firm answer for objections (1 Peter 3:15). • Choose forgiveness immediately when wronged; keep short accounts. • Keep eternal perspective—what matters most is Christ’s “Well done” (2 Timothy 4:8). Living the Stephen Response When hostility erupts, fix your eyes on Jesus, stay filled with His Spirit, speak truth soaked in grace, forgive liberally, and trust God with the outcome. In doing so, you echo Stephen’s testimony and point your persecutors to the same Savior who stood for him—and stands for you. |
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