Stephen – Profile of a Sent One
The biblical account of Stephen gives a wonderful portrait of a Sent One. Stephen did not have the credentials of an Apostle, Prophet or Teacher. He was first a follower of Jesus, appointed as a deacon to wait tables because of his stellar reputation. The word “reputation’ in the Greek language is martureo which means to bear witness; to testify. Stephen was a witness with a testimony. It has been said, “Someone who lives a martyr’s life has already died a thousand deaths.” He was a martyr before he gave his life for his faith. Stephen was fully devoted to Jesus.
In his death, Stephen did more to advance the Gospel than anyone besides Jesus. He delivered a major treatise on God’s dealing with the Hebrews before the same religious Counsel that delivered Jesus up to die. His defense recorded in chapter 7 is the longest discourse recorded in Acts. He led a short life but a FULL life. I think “full” is the one word that epitomizes Stephen’s life and legacy.
We all understand the word FULL, to mean overflowing; containing all that is possible. It also suggests complete to the point of evident; conspicuous. Stephen’s conspicuous life was the reason people chose him for ministry. Consider the evidence they saw in the life of this great man of God:
He was FULL of wisdom (6:3) In his Acts 7 discourse, Stephen traces the plans and purposes of God throughout Hebrew history culminating in “the Righteous One” – Jesus. His words confound and infuriate the religious sects to the point where they were “unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (6:10) We can ask God to give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ep.1:17).
He was FULL of grace (6:8) The nature of grace is God giving us what we can’t earn or deserve. At the end of his life Stephen demonstrated this grace when he forgave those who stoned him. “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Jesus asks us to relate with others with the same grace He demonstrated. I wonder if it was a manifestation of grace which allowed Stephen’s accusers to see his countenance “like the face of an angel”?
He was FULL of faith (6:5) Jesus came looking for faith. He was amazed when He found it and angered when He didn’t. Faith pleases God. We know faith is a product of hearing the Word of God. So, Stephen must have been FULL of the Word displayed through his obedience. He remained faith-FULL even unto death.
He was FULL of the Spirit (6:3,5) Three times the scripture tells us Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit: at the beginning and end of his brief ministry. The baptism with the Holy Spirit prepares us for any ministry opportunity that comes. Under the influence of the Spirit we are, in essence, turned into another person, capable of doing the “greater works” Jesus predicted. To remain filled is an ongoing experience for the believer.
He was FULL of power (6:8) Dunamis power is evidence of a life filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Stephen was a deacon yet he performed “great wonders and signs among the people.” This ordinary man led an extraordinary life by the power that worked in him. If God can use Stephen to produce proof of Jesus’ resurrection, he can and will use each of us.
Tertullian, one of the early Church fathers, coined the term, “the blood of the martyrs is seed for the church.” If the blood of Stephen brought forth a harvest of souls in the first century, how much more will his example of a life fully consecrated to His Master inspire us to live a life that is filled and overflows with God.