Topical Bible: Glory of God: Stephen

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The account of Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is a profound illustration of the glory of God manifesting through human faithfulness and divine revelation. Stephen's account is primarily found in the Book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7, where he emerges as a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). His life and martyrdom serve as a testament to the transformative power of God's glory in the life of a believer.

Stephen's Selection and Ministry

Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve the early church, ensuring the fair distribution of food to widows. This selection was based on his reputation as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Acts 6:8 describes Stephen as "full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people." His ministry was marked by the evident presence of God's glory, as he was empowered to perform miracles and speak with wisdom that his adversaries could not refute.

Opposition and Arrest

Stephen's powerful ministry and the glory of God evident in his life attracted opposition from certain members of the synagogue. Unable to withstand the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke, they resorted to false accusations, claiming he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11). This led to his arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.

Stephen's Vision of God's Glory

During his defense before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivered a profound speech, recounting Israel's history and highlighting their resistance to God's messengers. As he concluded, Stephen experienced a divine vision, described in Acts 7:55-56: "But 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. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" This vision of God's glory affirmed Stephen's faith and provided a powerful witness to those present, even as they rejected his message.

Martyrdom and Legacy

Stephen's vision and testimony incited the council's fury, leading to his being dragged out of the city and stoned. As he was being martyred, Stephen's final words echoed the grace and forgiveness of Christ: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60). His death marked him as the first Christian martyr, and his unwavering faith in the face of persecution exemplified the glory of God shining through human weakness.

Stephen's martyrdom had a profound impact on the early church, as it catalyzed the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. His account continues to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in the glory of God to sustain and empower them, even in the face of adversity.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:55
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Story of Stephen, the First Martyr
... But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up toward heaven with his shining face;
and he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on God's right hand, and ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of stephen the.htm

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... that although they may not see him, as Stephen did, yet he looks on ... of the Holy Ghost,
looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm

Stephen the First Christian Martyr
... But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up into heaven and saw the
glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/stephen the first christian martyr.htm

Epistle Lxxiii. To Pompey, against the Epistle of Stephen About ...
... why has the bitter obstinacy of our brother Stephen broken forth to ... day of judgment
for a priest of God, who maintains ... not lay it to heart to give glory unto my ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxiii to pompey against.htm

Stephen's vision
... He looks down from amid the glory, and His calm ... and set down at the right hand of
God,' and His ... the Lord also working with them,' so Stephen's vision brought ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/stephens vision.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... even from their own consciences, by the pretext of zeal for the glory of God. The
charge, which the witnesses were directed to bring against Stephen, was that ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

"The Glory of that Light. "
... When Moses came down from that long time alone with God, his face was full of the
glory reflected from God's presence. Stephen's face caught the light of ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the glory of that light.htm

Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy
... let His sunshine smite you on the face as the light smote Stephen, and then ... noblest,
perfect, and, as I believe, final form in which all God's glory, all God's ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/man summoned by gods glory.htm

Acts VII
... Holy Spirit, looked steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God ... the Son of
Man standing at the right hand of God. ... (59) And they stoned Stephen, calling on ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

The Lord of Glory.
... Stephen being full of the Holy Spirit "looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw
the Glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the lord of glory.htm