Part One

Jesus reminded his disciples more than once, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 How many of us think of this verse first when we learn someone has betrayed us or worst yet, slandered our reputation with lies to gain affirmation for the betrayal? This is probably the greatest pain—betrayal by those you work alongside as you do the work God called you to be and do. Many times our first thought is payback or rebuttal.

Why does it seem to be worse when the ministry is increasing in numbers and great God-wonders are happening in the lives of those once lost without Jesus but now found?  Admit it, we ask this question or at least think it when blind-sided by evil’s schemes working in the lives of others to bring us down and stop what is good, helpful to others, and pleasing to God. 

In the middle of it all, we must remember, this is not of God but is to be expected by the enemy of God.  Gossip, slander, betrayal, grown out of envy, pride, prejudice, and arrogance are fostered by selfish motives and are not led by God’s Holy Spirit.  All these characteristics are opposite of God. 

Stephen’s story hits our hearts deeply.  What happened to Stephen happens regularly in God’s church.  Betrayal and slander have happened to me more than once. Stones of hate, jealousy, and envy are thrown hard at people as they are doing what pleases God but maybe not in the way others think it should be done.  So, at the peak, when people were growing in their love for God with the character of God, watch for the enemy to rise up.  It occurs when one is infected with Satan’s lies coupled with self-motivated desires to stop what is good with roadblocks to God’s glory at work within His children. “Satan prowls around like a roaring lion,” says Peter who has lived it, “seeking who he may devour.”  Peter, the Rock, once denied Jesus but repented of it.  He knows.

Yes, this level of hurt goes deep and is hard to overcome—impossible without the knowledge, belief and help from Jesus who understands and overcame his trials and betrayal from his enemy.  It is Jesus in us who give us the power to overcome today!  It is Jesus who forgives us when we forgive the ones who hurt us!  Stephen exemplifies this Truth.

And to think it all began with a decision to serve people more efficiently.  This passage is only part one of Stephen’s story.  Stephen’s devotion and service to the God He loved and to Jesus who saved him was evident to all who truly believed.  His life was extremely honorable, his devotion pure and holy. 

Luke writes Stephen’s story, leaving no details left unsaid to show us a man who was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit”.

Acts 6, The Message

The Word of God Prospered

6 ^1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds,hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”

^5-6 The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,

Philip,

Procorus,

Nicanor,

Timon,

Parmenas,

Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

⁷ The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.

* * *

^8-10 Stephen, brimming with God’s grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them. But then some men from the meeting place whose membership was made up of freed slaves, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and some others from Cilicia and Asia, went up against him trying to argue him down. But they were no match for his wisdom and spirit when he spoke.

¹¹ So in secret they bribed men to lie: “We heard him cursing Moses and God.”

^12-14 That stirred up the people, the religious leaders, and religion scholars. They grabbed Stephen and took him before the High Council. They put forward their bribed witnesses to testify: “This man talks nonstop against this Holy Place and God’s Law. We even heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth would tear this place down and throw out all the customs Moses gave us.”

¹⁵ As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

ACTS—the story of Jesus at work in the lives of the apostles and disciples through the acts of His Holy Spirit.  It is also the true story of the beginnings of a growing gathering of believers with differing backgrounds and cultures to become of One Heart-One Spirit as they learn to live in harmony with each other.  Satan is still working hard to put an end to God’s glorious acts occurring in people who believe and love Him. 

Jesus is the Cornerstone of the growing church.  We must remember, Jesus is also the Overcomer of evil who victorious won the war with the enemy to save us!  To be an overcomer with Jesus is to be “full of faith and His Holy Spirit” who gives power and strength to us through every adversity.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –Jesus, John 16:33 

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” –Jesus, 1 John 4:4

ACTS of the apostles also portray the acts of betrayal.  We cannot avoid the betrayal of others but we can avoid being the betrayer!

Here’s how:  Know God, Know Jesus, Know His message of Truth—know the enemy!

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.  1 Peter 5:8-9

Lord,

When we read what Stephen suffered, our own hurt rises from our soul.  But then we also remember how you brought us through it all and put our feet back on solid ground.  Stephen’s gaze never left you.  Stephen’s story parallels Jesus’ betrayal and verdict and his response was holy and pure.  May we be more like Jesus knowing that sharing in your sufferings is part of honoring and glorifying you with our acts of faith in response.  Thank you for saving my soul and making me wholly devoted to you—no matter what.

In Jesus Name, Amen