Description: Stephen's powerful, Spirit-filled ministry did not lead to universal praise, but to fierce opposition. This devotional examines the reality that a life lived boldly for Christ will often provoke hostility from a world that hates the truth.
Scripture: Acts 6:8-15.
Explanation: This passage shifts our focus to one of the chosen deacons, Stephen. He was far more than an administrator; he was a man 'full of grace and power.' This divine empowerment was evident through the miracles he performed and, most notably, through his preaching. When confronted by learned men from various synagogues, Stephen spoke with a wisdom and spiritual authority they simply could not refute. Their pride wounded and their arguments defeated, they refused to submit to the truth. Instead, they resorted to the tools of the enemy: lies, slander, and manipulation. They secretly paid men to bear false witness and stirred up the emotions of the crowd against him. This is a crucial lesson for every believer. Faithfulness to God and the bold proclamation of His truth do not guarantee peace and acceptance from the world. In fact, it often invites the opposite. When the ungodly cannot win an argument against the truth of God’s Word, they will often attack the character of the messenger. Yet, in the midst of this hatred, Stephen was filled with a divine peace, his face shining like an angel’s.
Parable: Let me tell you about a young woman named Sarah, an architect at a large, secular firm in a bustling city. Her firm was competing for a high-profile project to design a new 'Center for Community,' and the theme was 'The Hope of Humanity.' During a major presentation, the lead partners presented designs based on humanism, technological progress, and self-actualization. When the floor was opened for ideas, Sarah, who had been praying for courage, stood up. With a calm and gentle spirit, she spoke. She didn't condemn their ideas, but she offered a different foundation for hope. She spoke of humanity's deep need for redemption, of a design that acknowledged our brokenness, and of a central courtyard that would point upward, signifying that true hope comes not from within ourselves, but from God above. She spoke with a simple, profound wisdom that silenced the room. Her logic was unassailable, and her gentle spirit was disarming. Her colleagues had no rebuttal. For a moment, there was a palpable sense of truth in the air. But in the days that followed, the atmosphere changed. Whispers started circulating that Sarah was 'intolerant' and 'trying to force her religion' on the firm. Colleagues who couldn't refute her points in the meeting now publicly mocked her behind her back. The partners brought her in for a meeting, not to discuss her idea, but to warn her about creating a 'divisive' environment. Through it all, Sarah felt a supernatural peace. Though they attacked her character, they could not steal the quiet confidence God had placed in her heart.
Moral: Sarah's experience, like Stephen's, reminds us of a hard but necessary truth. The light of the Gospel is offensive to those who love the darkness. When you speak God’s truth in a world that has rejected Him, you will face opposition. The world cannot withstand the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, so it will resort to slander, false accusations, and intimidation. Do not be surprised by this. Rather, count it a blessing to be considered worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. When faced with such hostility, our response is not to fight fire with fire, but to be like Stephen: full of grace, empowered by the Spirit, and with our eyes fixed on our Lord, reflecting His peace in a world that desperately needs it. As our Lord Jesus promised, Matthew 5:11-12 (ASV).