Now if you can’t read into all that, man, you’ve got so much doctrine—including the crucified life—they had the Scriptures. And just like he said, NOT ONE TITTLE. You’re not changing nothing. That attitude was from the start—don’t mess with the Word of God.
We are going to study Stephen’s time to shine. Chapter six of the Book of Acts.
The name, ‘Stephen’ means a crown, and this person, Stephen, receives the martyr’s crown of Revelation 2:10. He is the first Christian martyr, and ‘martyr’ means ‘witness.’ He died for his witness about Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not die as a martyr, but as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. In a sense, Stephen died for exposing the sins of man. People get mad when you expose their sins.
Some comparisons. In both cases, the Lord and His . . .
- Their enemies could not answer them, and false witnesses were hired against them.
- Both were charged with blasphemy.
- Religious leaders stirred up people against them.
- Both were accused of breaking the Mosaic Law.
- Both were accused of destroying the Temple.
- Caiaphas, the high priest, was the final judge in both cases.
- Both of them made the same supplication when dying
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).
“And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60).
So, here we find in Acts chapter 6, the early church needed help with their widows, and those not able to care for themselves.
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:1-4).
“It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” … Someone says that that is pretty arrogant. No, they didn’t think that they were arrogant, they just knew where their priority was.”
Now those chosen were ordained by the apostles according to verse 6, whom they set before the apostles and when they prayed, they laid their hands on them, and God’s plans—you have to understand this—God’s plan always works.
“Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:6-7).
The results of obeying God. If we would have preached on just this one verse—we would have thought—they were just so arrogant. Who do they think they are, not taking care of the widows. Isn’t there is a commandment for them to do that? There’s a commandment for everybody to do that, but when God calls you to a position, you do that position first. You do what God called you to do.
They knew there was neglect, that is why they brought it up. That’s why they told everybody what they had to do in the church, and that is why they got these men in the church to help them out. What a blessing!
We are talking about Stephen’s time to shine.
Now our story focuses—and this is not a parable, it is a true story—our story focuses on Stephen now.
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8).
Father, I need clarity of thought and liberty of speech. I need Your touch, as always. Pray that the hearers are full of Your Spirit. And God, that we can communicate the message as intended. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Point number 1 is that the presence of God always—always—stirs of the spirit of jealousy in others that don’t have it and scares the others that do not know it.
Now, religious people talk the talk, but can not compete with those people that have God’s approval. They never can.
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:8-10).
When you are full of the Holy Ghost, doing what He wants you to do, and His anointing is on you, I mean, you stir up the devils of hell. You really do. Because all of a sudden there is a comparison that people can make. Well, how come you say this, this and this and you are a part of this but you ain’t got this. See the difference. That’s why you can talk to Catholics and other self-professed Christians and others, and you know what they will say, “You can’t know, unless you die first.”
“Oh, I beg to differ, I can know. I have perfect confidence that I know where I am going when I die. I’ve got Scripture to back that up—sorry you don’t—mister so-called ‘Christian.”
They don’t like that. The voice of truth they try to snuff out, because of tradition and their religious beliefs. BAD! So, what are you saying? Well, it was time for Stephen to shine. God is going to confront them, like he always does.
Now, the presence of God always stirs of the spirit of jealousy in amongst those that don’t have it and scares the others who don’t know it.
Point number 2 is there is a price to pay for serving God.
“Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us” (Acts 6:11-14).
Man! Imagine that! Jesus told us . . . what did He tell us? If they hated Him they would hate you also.
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
“Then they suborned men, which said . . .” – Suborned, what do you mean? They bribed them.