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Day 52: Could Not Stand Against (Acts 6:8-10)
At this point, we are introduced to one of the seven, Stephen, who is the main subject of the remainder of this chapter and the next. We are drawn to Stephen’s example because he was full of the Holy Spirit and totally committed to the Gospel. Stephen’s ministry is similar to the ministry of the Apostles. He engages in effective witness by word and action in the power of the Spirit (5:12, 42). Stephen performs great wonders and signs among the people by God’s grace and power (6:8). But he also preaches effectively and powerfully.
Stephen's witness in the Hellenistic Jewish synagogues drew immediate opposition. The teaching of Jesus had also drawn opposition and he predicted those who followed him would also face opposition and persecution. Those who challenged Stephen in theological debate had no answer for him and so no-one could stand against him (6:10). Despite winning the debate, those who challenged Stephen did not respond with repentance and accept the good news by faith. This was not a reflection of Stephen’s ministry, but rather a matter between them and God. They would, in fact, continue to plot against him.
For our own ministries to be effective, we must also operate by God’s grace and power being filled with God’s Spirit. It is tempting to try to minister in our own strength; however, if we do this, our efforts will not bear fruit. At the same time, we must be aware that people do not always respond to the Gospel when it is presented to them, and our attempts to share the Gospel may result in conflict and persecution. DR
QuestionsThink about times when you have ministered in God’s strength and in your own strength. Reflect on the differences.
Have you faced opposition/persecution as a result of sharing the Gospel? If yes, how did you respond? If you haven’t, how would you respond?
Almighty Father, we thank you for calling us, equipping us, and empowering us for the work of mission. Help us to minister by your grace and power, and not by our own strength or understanding. Sustain us in the face of opposition and persecution. Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchAt this point, we are introduced to one of the seven, Stephen, who is the main subject of the remainder of this chapter and the next. We are drawn to Stephen’s example because he was full of the Holy Spirit and totally committed to the Gospel. Stephen’s ministry is similar to the ministry of the Apostles. He engages in effective witness by word and action in the power of the Spirit (5:12, 42). Stephen performs great wonders and signs among the people by God’s grace and power (6:8). But he also preaches effectively and powerfully.
Stephen's witness in the Hellenistic Jewish synagogues drew immediate opposition. The teaching of Jesus had also drawn opposition and he predicted those who followed him would also face opposition and persecution. Those who challenged Stephen in theological debate had no answer for him and so no-one could stand against him (6:10). Despite winning the debate, those who challenged Stephen did not respond with repentance and accept the good news by faith. This was not a reflection of Stephen’s ministry, but rather a matter between them and God. They would, in fact, continue to plot against him.
For our own ministries to be effective, we must also operate by God’s grace and power being filled with God’s Spirit. It is tempting to try to minister in our own strength; however, if we do this, our efforts will not bear fruit. At the same time, we must be aware that people do not always respond to the Gospel when it is presented to them, and our attempts to share the Gospel may result in conflict and persecution. DR
QuestionsThink about times when you have ministered in God’s strength and in your own strength. Reflect on the differences.
Have you faced opposition/persecution as a result of sharing the Gospel? If yes, how did you respond? If you haven’t, how would you respond?
Almighty Father, we thank you for calling us, equipping us, and empowering us for the work of mission. Help us to minister by your grace and power, and not by our own strength or understanding. Sustain us in the face of opposition and persecution. Amen.