The Life of Steven
Notes
Transcript
This passage starts a transition in the book of Acts.
Until now Peter has been the dominate figure, he was called to take the gospel to the circumcised, while the new figure raising up will be Paul who will take the Gospel to the gentiles (uncircumcised) Gal 2:7
7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised
After chapter 15 Peter is not mentioned again in the book of Acts.
This is the natural progression of the book as the Gospel starts out in Jerusalem and then moves to other towns and cites.
There is a bridge between Peter and Paul however.
Steven the one chosen by the people as one who serves along side the Apostles.
Stevens life is proof that a mans length of service does not have to be long to be effective.
His Character (v 8)
His Character (v 8)
It says here that Steven was full of grace and power.
The word here for “full” is the word Pleres which means “to be filled up”.
In order for us to make a difference for Christ we must be filled with the right amount and type of power.
We can not fill up and encourage others if we ourselves are not full.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the privilege of every believer. Eph 5:18
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
His Courage (vv 9-14)
His Courage (vv 9-14)
The word here Rose up means being stirred to action, the wrong action.
Enraged by their hatred of the Lord Jesus and their love of self-righteous sin, these men went after this gifted man of God.
There were 3 separate Synagogues involved in having Steven arrested.
There were around 480 synagogues in Jerusalem at this time.
No matter who we are up against we must still preach the Gospel.
His Countenance (v 15)
His Countenance (v 15)
This scene presents a striking contrast.
Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin accused of being an evil blasphemer of God, the temple, and the law.
Yet when the members of that Council fixed their gaze on him, they saw his face like the face of an angel.
Far from being evil, Stephen radiated the holiness and glory of God.
When you are filled of God people will know even before you open your mouth.
Stephen’s noble character and extraordinary courage reflect his greatness.
The church’s selection of him for high office shows their high regard for him.
Most significant of all, Stephen was great in God’s sight.
His life and testimony profoundly affected an even greater man—Saul of Tarsus.
Every believer should remember Stephen and imitate those qualities in his life that made him the man with the face of an angel.
That would be his most fitting memorial.