Why was Stephen described as "full of faith and the Holy Spirit"? Why Scripture Highlights Stephen’s Spiritual Fullness “ ‘This proposal pleased the whole congregation, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…’ ” (Acts 6:5) Setting and Context • The rapidly growing church in Jerusalem faced a practical crisis: Hellenistic widows were being overlooked (Acts 6:1). • The apostles called for seven men “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom” to handle daily distribution (Acts 6:3). • Among the seven, Luke singles out Stephen and immediately underscores his spiritual stature. Full of Faith—What Scripture Means • “Full” (plērēs) pictures saturation—faith shaped Stephen’s motives, words, and actions. • Faith is wholehearted trust in Christ’s finished work and present promises (Hebrews 11:1). • Faith expresses itself through obedience (James 2:17). • Stephen’s willingness to serve tables displayed humble, practical trust. • His bold preaching before the Sanhedrin showed unwavering confidence in the risen Lord (Acts 7). Visible Evidence of Stephen’s Faith – Acts 6:8: “Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” – Acts 7:51-53: Courageous confrontation of religious leaders despite mortal danger. – Acts 7:59-60: Prayer of forgiveness for his executioners mirrors Jesus’ words on the cross, confirming genuine, mature faith. Full of the Holy Spirit—The Divine Empowerment • Being “full” of the Spirit indicates ongoing control, not a one-time event (cf. Ephesians 5:18). • Luke uses the same phrase for Jesus after His baptism (Luke 4:1), linking Stephen’s life with Christlike power. • The Spirit produces wisdom, boldness, and miraculous confirmation of the gospel (Acts 1:8; 4:31). How Stephen’s Spirit-Fullness Showed Itself • Irrefutable wisdom: “They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke” (Acts 6:10). • Signs and wonders: Manifest power validated his message (Acts 6:8). • Heavenly vision: “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). • Christlike character under fire: serenity, forgiveness, and worship at the moment of death. Why Luke Emphasizes Both Qualities • Faith highlights Stephen’s human response—he trusted God completely. • The Holy Spirit highlights divine initiative—God filled, enabled, and spoke through him. • Together they present the ideal servant: yielded to God, equipped for ministry, steady under persecution. Implications for Believers Today • Saving faith grows through continual surrender to the Word and to the Spirit’s leading (Acts 2:42; Galatians 5:25). • Spirit-fullness empowers ordinary service (waiting tables) and extraordinary witness (public defense). • A life saturated with faith and the Spirit bears fruit—wisdom, power, grace, courage, and love. Summary Stephen is described as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” because his entire life was permeated by confident trust in Christ and empowered by the indwelling Spirit. The combination produced visible grace, wisdom, miraculous power, and steadfast devotion, making Stephen both a capable servant in routine ministry and a fearless witness in the face of death. |
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