Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Stephen

◄ Faith: Faith in Christ: Stephen ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is a profound example of faith in Christ. He is introduced in the Book of Acts as one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church community in Jerusalem. His selection was based on his reputation as a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). This description highlights the centrality of faith in Stephen's life and ministry.

Stephen's faith is further demonstrated through his works and words. He performed "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8), which attests to his deep trust in Christ's power and presence. His ability to perform such miracles was a testament to his unwavering faith and the Holy Spirit's work within him.

The opposition Stephen faced from certain members of the synagogue underscores the strength of his faith. Despite being falsely accused of blasphemy, Stephen remained steadfast. His defense before the Sanhedrin is a powerful testament to his faith in Christ. He recounted the history of Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the people's repeated rejection of His messengers. Stephen boldly proclaimed the truth of Jesus as the Righteous One, whom they had betrayed and murdered (Acts 7:52).

Stephen's faith reached its zenith at the moment of his martyrdom. As he was being stoned, he gazed into heaven and saw "the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55). This vision affirmed his faith in Christ's exalted position and His promise of eternal life. Stephen's final words, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59), and his prayer for forgiveness for his persecutors (Acts 7:60), echo the faith and forgiveness exemplified by Christ Himself.

Stephen's faith in Christ serves as an enduring example for believers. His life and martyrdom illustrate the transformative power of faith, the courage to stand for truth, and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Faith of Moses.
... Stephen told his persecutors that the founder of the Aaronic ... of a great Prophet to
come, and Christ said that ... the old covenant himself walked by faith in the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

The Christian Faith
... This faith bases itself primarily not upon reason or feeling, but upon Jesus Christ,
a historical ... of Peter (Acts 2:14-40; 3:12-26; 4:8-12), Stephen (Acts 7:1 ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study v the christian faith.htm

The Definition of Faith.
... for the full knowledge and confirmation of the orthodox faith. ... who was lately bishop
of Antioch, and Stephen his disciple ... in the two natures of Christ our true ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the definition of faith.htm

Epistle Lxxi. To Stephen, Concerning a Council.
... 1. Cyprian and others, to Stephen their brother, greeting. ... fervent in the warmth
of their faith, and believing ... that none of those who oppose Christ can profit ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxi to stephen concerning.htm

Of Abraham's Obedience and Faith, which were Proved by the ...
... "By faith," he says ... by the oath of God, after that burnt-offering which typified
Christ. ... And then, according to Stephen's account, he was settled in that land ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 of abrahams obedience and.htm

Epistle Lxxiv. Firmilian, Bishop of C??sarea in Cappadocia, to ...
... But let these things which were done by Stephen be passed ... rule of truth and the wisdom
of Christ; we have ... such a distance such a unanimity of faith and truth ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxiv firmilian bishop of.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... Examples:"1. The Jews resisting Stephen.2. The Pharisees. ... 1. Although we have already
in some measure shown how faith possesses Christ, and gives ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Days of Preparation
... that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by
faith: that I ... he had taken in the martyrdom of Stephen, and now ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 13 days of preparation.htm

The Spirit of Supplication
... We read, "Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." The two ever go
together, in ... Do let us know Him, and in the faith of Christ who unceasingly ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter x the spirit of.htm

The Epistles.
... The sermons of Stephen and the apostles in Acts ... and aim to strengthen them in their
faith, and, by ... historical foundation of the teaching and example of Christ. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 86 the epistles.htm