How does Stephen's example in Acts 6:8 inspire our daily Christian witness? Verse Focus: Acts 6:8 “Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” Grace and Power in Daily Life • Grace: Stephen lived so saturated with God’s unmerited favor that it overflowed in kindness and compassion toward others (Ephesians 4:29). • Power: The Holy Spirit enabled supernatural works that validated the gospel message (Acts 1:8). → Our witness is most persuasive when both qualities operate together—grace softens hearts; power convinces minds. Overflowing with the Spirit • Stephen’s effectiveness sprang from being “full” of the Spirit (Acts 6:5). • Scripture calls every believer to continual filling (Ephesians 5:18). • Daily surrender, prayerful dependence, and obedience keep us usable vessels (Galatians 5:16–25). Boldness Amid Opposition • Stephen’s miracles invited scrutiny, yet he did not shrink back (Acts 6:9–10). • The same Spirit who emboldened the early church empowers us to speak even when culture resists (Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 1:7). • Confidence rests in God’s truth, not in human approval (Galatians 1:10). Wisdom Rooted in Scripture • Accusers “could not stand up to his wisdom” (Acts 6:10). • Stephen’s later defense (Acts 7) shows deep grasp of redemptive history. • Saturating our minds with the Word equips us to explain Christ coherently (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15). Witnessing Beyond Words • Stephen’s demeanor—radiant face, forgiving spirit (Acts 6:15; 7:60)—spoke as loudly as his preaching. • Visible Christlikeness authenticates the gospel (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15–16). Practical Takeaways for Our Walk 1. Begin each day asking the Spirit to fill and lead. 2. Cultivate grace: respond to irritations with kindness and forgiveness (Colossians 4:6). 3. Step out in faith to pray for needs, expecting God to act (James 5:16–18). 4. Study Scripture systematically; let God’s storyline shape your worldview. 5. Share Christ boldly yet gently, trusting results to the Spirit. 6. Maintain a forgiving heart; refuse bitterness, as Stephen did even under lethal hatred. Stephen’s life shows that ordinary believers, saturated with grace, power, Scripture, and the Spirit, become extraordinary witnesses in everyday contexts. |
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