INTRODUCTION

Stephen, one of the first seven deacons, was also the first of untold millions of Christian martyrs. This lesson is taken from the account of his ministry and martyrdom in Acts 6 and 7. Note the following points:

1. Faith Operating, Acts 6:8-10 
a. Operation observed, 8. 
b. Operation opposed, 9-10. 

2. Faith's Odium, Acts 6:11-14. 
a. Odious objections, 11. 
b. Odious outage, 12-14. 

3. Faith Objurgating, Acts 7:51-53. 
a. Objurgation obliged, 51. 
b. Objurgation obvious, 52-53. 

4. Faith's Ordeal, Acts 7:54-58. 
a. Ordeal occurring, 54. 
b. Ordeal ordained, 55-56. 
c. Ordeal outpoured, 57-58. 

5. Faith Overcoming, Acts 7:59-60. 
a. Victorious offering, 59. 
b. Victorious outcome, 60. 

NOTES ON THE TEXT:

FAITH OPERATING, Acts 6:8-10.

"In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" [Galatians 5:6]. This is the uniform teaching of Scripture: the faith that saves is the faith that works. Sinners have never been saved, the world has never been disturbed, and persecution has never been aroused by a "faith" which says nothing and does nothing. It is faith operating in lives changed by the grace of God that excites the hatred of the world.

Operation Observed, 8.

God has used "great wonders and miracles" at a few special times in history, not merely to excite admiration or to give people a thrill, but to draw attention to His Word. So in the early years of the church, as a hostile world observed the operation of faith and power in the ministry of God's chosen spokesmen, unbelievers were made to give at least a temporary hearing to His Word.

Operation Opposed, 9-10.

We are given no details of the miracles done by Stephen. They are relatively unimportant. It was his doctrine that stirred up opposition. Gullible sinners, religious or otherwise, are attracted by miracles, real or apparent; what they hate is the truth of God's Word. "The wisdom and the spirit" of Stephen are exhibited somewhat at length in the next chapter. It was the operation of his faith declaring the truth that his enemies opposed.

FAITH'S ODIUM, Acts 6:11-14.

Because the world is not willing to believe God, it hates those who do. Haters of God generally do not dare to admit, even to themselves, that they hate their Creator; they pretend to honor Him while venting their hatred on His faithful servants.

Odious Objections, 11.

Having failed in argument, the haters of truth resorted to perjured testimony, accusing Stephen of blasphemies of which they themselves were guilty. It is an old trick. Objections to truth are never more odious than when lies are told under the pretense of defending truth.

Odious Outrage, 12-14.

Unbelievers are not always satisfied with hateful words. Such was the bitterness and cruelty of these religious hypocrites that they could be satisfied with nothing less thafi the death of this faithful witness of Christ. As they hated the Master, so they hated His servants [John 15:18-25].

FAITHFUL OBJURATING, Acts 7:51-53.

Let no faithful witness ever apologize for telling the truth. Certainly we should speak the truth in love, but we must speak the truth. Up to this point, in his testimony, Stephen, had been reviewing the history of Israel from Abraham to Solomon, with appropriate comments. But it was evident that his hearers were hardened against the Word which they pretended to uphold. So Stephen received the courage to make the personal application, objurating the murderers of his Lord.

Objuration Obliged, 51.

If Stephen's words here seem rather harsh, it is because plain talk is sometimes necessary. There come times when soft words, hints, and euphemisms are not enough. Sinners must be made to face the truth, though the testimony bring on the stoning of the witness.

Objuration Obvious, 52-53.

At least no one could complain that the witness had failed to give a clear testimony. The objuration was obvious; the witness condemned those who condemned him: not because they were condemning him, but because they had condemned the prophets and the Messiah before him.

FAITH'S ORDEAL, Acts 7:54-48.

Paradoxically the life of faith is both rest and work, peace and war, comfort and trial. Too many "Christians" would like to enjoy only their choice of experiences, meanwhile complaining of every "fiery trial" or ordeal. But God knows what is good for us, and so appoints the most rigorous ordeals for those saints of His that shall inherit the brightest crowns.

Ordeal Occurring, 54.

Faithful testimony does not always result in the immediate salvation of lost souls. Sometimes, as in this instance, the immediate result apparently is only to enrage the enemy and to bring a sore ordeal upon the witness.

"They gnashed on him with their teeth" would be better rendered, "They ground their teeth at (or because of) him." Though "they were cut to the heart," their response was not to repent toward God, but to do violence to His servant who reminded them of their sins.

Ordeal Ordained, 55-56.

To the eye of faith, to the believer "full of the Holy Ghost," the worst of ordeals is no occasion for complaint, but rather an occasion to look up to heaven and see the glory of God. Though the ordeal may come to us unexpectedly, it is merely another event ordained of God; and if worse comes to worst Jesus is still "standing on the right hand of God."

Ordeal Outpoured, 57-58.

"Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do" [Luke 12:4]. These words of Jesus were not empty rhetoric. There are limits beyond which our worst enemies in this world cannot hurt us. The important thing is not how much we suffer in these mortal bodies, but what awaits us when we leave here. Let men pour out their wrath upon us; only let us be sure that our Lord stands to receive us into heaven.

FAITH OVERCOMING, Acts 7:59-60.

So for the genuine Christian as for Christ, there is victory in defeat, there is life in death. "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" II John 5:4].

Victorious Offering, 59.

Heretics who deny that dying saints go to heaven are in effect calling not only Stephen but the Lord Jesus Himself a liar and hypocrite. Those heretics will find out in due time who is lying and what is to become of all liars [Revelation 21:8]. We can make no more precious offering to Jesus than our own spirit washed clean in His blood. If He permits the world to speed our departure, it is because He is ready to receive us to Himself in heaven.

Victorious Outcome, 60.

Christian victory in this world lies not in cursing or destroying our enemies, but in praying for them and so showing ourselves to be the children of our Father in heaven [Matthew 5:43-38].

"He fell asleep" refers to the dead body of Stephen; in his spirit he was immediately with Jesus. [See II Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 6:9-11].

CONCLUSION [Hebrews 12:1-2]

"Cloud of witnesses" probably refers to the heroes of faith listed in the previous chapter. Comparing our earthly life to a race, we cannot afford to be encumbered by needless burdens, much less by sin; nor can we afford to quit running before the race is done. Our perfect Example is Jesus, Who both begins and completes our faith according to the pattern of His own example.
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[From AAB, March 22, 1974, pp. 2-3. -- jrd]

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