The Discipleship of Martyrs

Acts 6:8 CEB

8 Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God’s grace was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 7:54–60 CEB

54 Once the council members heard these words, they were enraged and began to grind their teeth at Stephen. 55 But Stephen, enabled by the Holy Spirit, stared into heaven and saw God’s majesty and Jesus standing at God’s right side. 56 He exclaimed, “Look! I can see heaven on display and the Human One standing at God’s right side!” 57 At this, they shrieked and covered their ears. Together, they charged at him, 58 threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses placed their coats in the care of a young man named Saul. 59 As they battered him with stones, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, accept my life!” 60 Falling to his knees, he shouted, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” Then he died.

The Discipleship of Martyrs

Imagine a garden, teeming with life and vibrant colors, each flower a testament to the seeds that were once planted in the rich soil. In the center stands a towering tree, its branches stretching towards the heavens, casting a protective canopy over the garden below. But if you were to trace back the roots of this majestic tree, you would discover a story of sacrifice and perseverance—a story of tiny seeds, buried beneath the earth, watered by tears of faithfulness and nourished by the blood of martyrs.

As you walk through this garden, you come across a small plaque nestled amidst the blossoms, engraved with the words of Tertullian on of the early church fathers: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." Each flower, each leaf, whispers a tale of courage and conviction, reminding us that even in the darkest of nights, the light of faith continues to shine bright, illuminating the path for generations to come.

Those words by Tertullian means that even when Christians face terrible things like persecution and death, their courage helps spread Christianity to others.

We don't often talk about these brave believers, but it's vital to remember them. Their stories remind us of what it truly means to follow Jesus—even when it costs us everything.

The idea that serving others brings happiness might sound surprising, but Jesus taught just that. He said that true joy comes from giving yourself to others, rather than focusing only on yourself. So, if you're feeling down, maybe what you need is to lend a helping hand to someone else. Instead of giving up, try serving someone else—whether it's through a small act of kindness or lending a listening ear. You might be surprised how refreshing it can be to make a positive difference in someone else's life.

Stephen’s Life

We learn first about Stephen at the beginning of chapter 6. The apostles were being pulled in a variety of different directions. They were trying to preach, pray, and teach but they were also expected to serve the widows by serving tables. One person can only do so much before they are stretched to thin.

The apostles called a meeting of the church and had them choose seven men to take over the task of feeding the widows. Verse 5 gives us the names of the men who were selected and Stephen is listed first.

Acts 6:5 (CEB)

5 They selected Stephen, a man endowed by the Holy Spirit with exceptional faith,

Stephen must have understood that his role was serving the widows but also serving Jesus. He must have understood the words of the Great Commission to Go and Make Disciples. Look at verse 8

Acts 6:8 CEB

8 Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God’s grace was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Stephen showed a wonderful example of what it means to be a servant to others. He started out by being elected a Deacon to help out with practical tasks, like serving food to widows. It wasn't a glamorous job, but Stephen did it faithfully. Acts 6:5 tells us that Stephen was selected because he was known for being filled with the Holy Spirit, wise, and doing good deeds. Just a couple of verses later, we see Stephen performing amazing miracles among the people. Stephen's journey from serving tables to becoming a deacon to performing miracles shows us the power of faithfulness in every step of our journey.

Stephen could do amazing things, signs and wonders, which showed that he was a dedicated follower of Jesus, just like the apostles. However, because he openly declared Jesus as the Messiah, the religious leaders who refused to accept Jesus saw Stephen as a blasphemer.

Stephen got arrested for things he didn't actually do. It's ironic because the people accusing him of lying are the ones who are actually lying about him.

Now, let's move from Stephen's remarkable abilities and the challenges he faced because of his faith, to the pivotal moment of his arrest and the powerful sermon he delivered before the Sanhedrin.

Stephen’s Arrest and Sermon

As Stephen faces trial before the mighty Sanhedrin, people who observe him are struck by his calm and serene demeanor. Witnesses have gone so far as to compare his behavior to that of an angel, emphasizing his innocence and inner purity. This depiction not only reflects Stephen's personality, but also alludes to the divine strength and guidance he receives from the Holy Spirit. Stephen's calm demeanor during the chaos of the trial is a strong witness to his unwavering faith and dependence on God's grace. Despite allegations and impending persecution, he remains unwavering, embodying the virtues of righteousness and integrity. Stephen's external look mirrors the inner workings of his heart, which is filled with the calm and assurance that comes from walking in accordance with God's purpose. The analogy to an angel has symbolic meaning, emphasizing Stephen's function as a messenger of truth and justice. Stephen, like angels, is seen as a messenger of God's holy will. His presence exudes divine presence, acting as a reminder of the spiritual empowerment offered to everyone who stay true to their mission. In short, Stephen's peaceful manner before the Sanhedrin not only reflects his own character, but also represents the transformational power of the Holy Spirit working inside him. It demonstrates the tenacity of faith and the great impact that a life devoted to God's will can have, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

When Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, given the opportunity to speak, his method may appear puzzling at first view. Rather of immediately addressing the accusations leveled against him, he began a lengthy account of Israel's history, diving into the lives of well-known Old Testament figures. While it may look redundant to the well-informed members of the Sanhedrin, Stephen had a bigger objective in mind.

Stephen wanted to lead his listeners to a single point by carefully picking events from Israel's history—the revelation of God's ultimate plan and the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah. Despite the familiarity of these stories, Stephen questioned whether the Sanhedrin understood their deeper significance—their relation to the long-awaited arrival of the Savior.

However, Stephen's purpose went beyond mere historical recall. Recognizing the Sanhedrin's agitation and wrath, he attempted to find common ground by demonstrating his own understanding and respect for Jewish tradition. Additionally, Stephen attempted to emphasize God's constancy and generosity throughout Israel's history, culminating in the gracious gift of His Son.

Furthermore, Stephen expertly emphasized a reoccurring theme in Israel's story—the nation's tendency to reject God's promises of forgiveness and mercy. As he spoke passionately, one could feel the Holy Spirit guiding his words, filling them with urgency and intensity. Stephen expertly prepared his listeners for the profound truth he was going to reveal, piercing through their prejudices and challenging their notion of God's divine design.

As Stephen's sermon reaches its crescendo, we witness the Sanhedrin's growing agitation and anger, setting the stage for the pivotal moment of his arrest and the subsequent revelation of his steadfast resolve in the face of adversity.

Acts 7:55–56 NKJV

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Stephen’s Vision

Stephen's sermon began with mentioning the majestic nature of God, He said Acts 7:2 “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran.” By the sermon's conclusion, Stephen himself witnessed the glory of God.

This reflects a common phenomenon: as we talk about the attributes of the Lord, we often find ourselves experiencing those very qualities in our own lives. It's remarkable how this occurs. When we talk about the greatness of Jesus, by the end of our conversation, we are filled with awe for Him. Similarly, when we talk about the grace of God, we inevitably find ourselves receiving His abundant grace.

Stephen's vision of the majesty of God in heaven acts as a forceful affirmation of his innocence and righteousness in the eyes of God. Stephen's unwavering dedication to the truth of Christ's teachings is demonstrated by this divine encounter, which was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is evidence that cannot be refuted. Stephen continues to be unwavering in his love to Jesus, despite the fact that he has recently been subjected to slanderous charges and false accusations against his faith. His vision is characterized by its clarity and purity, which serves to highlight the genuineness of his convictions and his unwavering commitment to the ideals that are outlined in the gospel. Stephen's vision not only substantiates his character but also sheds light on the fundamental relationship that exists between his spiritual testimony and the presence of the divine. Stephen experiences a profound sense of spiritual empowerment and assurance as he becomes aware of the grandeur of God and he witnesses Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. He is able to courageously speak the truth even in the face of rejection and persecution as a result of this transcendent experience, which serves to reinforce his resolve and fortify his faith. The vision that Stephen had is, in essence, a perfect example of the inseparable connection that exists between faithfulness and divine revelation. It is a demonstration of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who gives believers the confidence to remain steadfast in their convictions and to testify to the truth of the gospel that Christ preached.

As a result of Stephen's example, we are reminded of the fundamental fact that those who continue to be committed to the teachings of Jesus will be offered heavenly insight and empowerment, which will enable them to endure the challenges that this world has to offer with unflinching confidence and courage.

The martyrs of the early church, including Stephen, held an unshakable conviction that their suffering and sacrifice were intimately connected to the death and resurrection of Christ. Stephen, like his fellow martyrs, embraced his imminent death with unwavering faith, confident that God's presence would sustain him through the trials ahead. In the face of persecution and opposition, Stephen remained resolute in his belief that his steadfast witness and ultimate sacrifice would not be in vain.

Indeed, the profound impact of martyrdom on the vitality of the early church cannot be overstated. The courageous testimony of martyrs like Stephen served as a beacon of light in a dark and hostile world, inspiring countless individuals to seek after God and embrace the message of salvation. Witnessing the miraculous power of these martyrs, many were moved to turn to Christ and join the burgeoning community of believers, leading to the remarkable growth and expansion of the church.

The martyrdom of individuals like Stephen not only bore witness to the transformative power of the gospel but also ignited a fervent zeal for God's kingdom among believers. Their unwavering commitment to Christ, even unto death, served as a powerful catalyst for spiritual revival and renewal, breathing new life into the fledgling Christian community. Through their courageous example, the martyrs of the early church laid the foundation for the enduring legacy of faith and resilience that continues to shape the body of Christ to this day.

How was it that Stephen was able to have such a calm demeanor, even in the face of death, and instead praying, "Lord, forgive them" instead of taking revenge? The reason for this was because he looked up into heaven and saw Jesus Christ. According to the sixth verse of the book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted as a lamb that was sacrificed.

When we look at Him, we realize that the scars on His body were inflicted by our own sins, which also include our disobedience, our faults, and our imperfections. When we think of the tremendous sacrifice that was made for us, we can't help but echo Stephen's request of forgiveness for those who have wronged us. We are thrilled with astonishment at the limitless grace that Jesus has bestowed upon us, and we discover peace with other people when we fix our attention on Jesus. It is only when we shift our eyes downward, concentrating on the shortcomings and critiques of other people, that we become defensive and combative. When we remind ourselves of the grace and forgiveness that we have received, we are impelled to extend the same grace to other people. This happens when we lift our eyes to heaven. Take, for example, the account in 2 Kings of the king of Moab sacrificing his son in an effort to attain victory in a conflict on the battlefield. After seeing this sacrifice, the Israelites lost the will to battle and returned to their position. Similar to how we lose the desire to exact revenge when we completely know the sacrifice that our King's Son made for us, when we realize the enormous price that was paid for our redemption, we also lose the desire to exact revenge. In the same way that Stephen was able to maintain his calm in the face of resistance and adversity, so too can we.

As we reflect on Stephen's unwavering faithfulness and the profound impact of martyrdom on the early church, we are compelled to consider the enduring relevance of martyrdom in shaping our contemporary understanding of faith and discipleship.

Martyrdom through a Contemporary Lens

The concept of martyrdom serves as a monument to the path of faith that we have all taken throughout history. When we think about the unwavering faith of Christians in the past who were persecuted and even put to death for their convictions, it instills in us a sense of hope for the resurrection of our own lives in the present day. Despite the fact that the majority of us may not be able to bear the terrible trials that martyrs did, we all experience difficulties in a variety of forms. Nevertheless, the accounts of these martyrs serve as guiding lights, drawing our attention to the fact that even in the most difficult of circumstances, there is still light and hope to be discovered. Imagine that you are on a ship that is navigating through waters that are extremely dangerous. As the storm rages around them, the sailors direct their attention to a lighthouse that can be seen in the distance. In spite of the fact that they are being pounded by the waves, they find stability in the light, which leads them to the shore in a safe manner. The stories of those who were martyred serve as illuminating beacons in our own journeys, pointing us in the direction of the hope of resurrection even when we are in the middle of challenging circumstances. Taking the time to contemplate the lives of martyrs can also assist us in gaining a better understanding of your own struggles. At times, we can be tempted to view our difficulties as martyrdom; yet, the example of martyrs serves to remind us of the humility and self-sacrifice with which they confronted their hardships. Martyrs, as opposed to those who sought power or privilege, accepted suffering as a consequence of their unshakeable dedication to Christ. They laid down their lives in obedience and faithfulness to Christ. Take, for example, a marathon runner who is experiencing the effects of itredness and agony while competing. Individuals are able to better understand the magnitude of their own obstacles when they watch other runners persevering through their own challenges. In a same vein, when we consider the sacrifices that martyrs have made, it brings us to a place of humility and enables us to distinguish between genuine suffering and the relatively little difficulties that we have experienced in our own lives. In the modern world, we frequently find ourselves in the position of having to navigate conversations regarding the fall of the church or the difficulties it is confronted with. Nevertheless, the ultimate purpose of these discussions ought to serve as a reminder of the Christian declaration that death is the path that leads to resurrection. In the same way that the blood of martyrs made it possible for the church to spread throughout the world, the deaths of martyrs brought about a revitalized sense of hope in the power of Christ's resurrection. In light of this, what may appear to be a sign of death or decline in the church in the present day is, in reality, a chance for the power of the resurrection to be shown in novel and unexpected ways. Just picture a garden in the dead of winter, completely devoid of any signs of life. On the other hand, seeds are lying dormant beneath the surface, in anticipation of the warmth of spring, which will bring out new life. To a similar extent, the difficulties that the church is experiencing might be compared to a period of winter, which is laying the ground for a new period of expansion and revitalization. In order for the seeds of resurrection hope to sprout and blossom once more, the blood of martyrs acts as the nutritious soil from which they can grow.

The Discipleship of Martyrs

Lent serves as a profound period in the Christian calendar—a time when we intentionally confront the realities of death, grief, and lament. Instead of shying away from hardship, we boldly confront it head-on, drawing inspiration from the courageous example of the martyrs who have gone before us. Just as these faithful saints faced persecution and even death with unwavering resolve, so too do we find strength in their legacy of faithfulness.

Picture a towering mountain that looms before us, its rugged peaks shrouded in fog. As we embark on our Lenten journey, we ascend this mountain, navigating its treacherous terrain with each step forward. Along the way, we encounter the footprints of those who have gone before us—the martyrs who bravely followed this same path, enduring trials and tribulations with steadfast faith. Their footsteps serve as guideposts, reminding us of the faithfulness of generations past and inspiring us to press on despite the challenges that lie ahead.

As we journey through Lent, may we pause to reflect on the lives of martyrs like Stephen, whose unwavering commitment to Christ serves as a beacon of hope in our own times of struggle. Just as Stephen faced adversity with courage and strength, so too can we find solace in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit walks alongside us, empowering us to persevere in the face of hardship.

As we journey through Lent, may we draw comfort from the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and may we embrace the hope of resurrection that sustains us in times of trial. With the Holy Spirit as our guide and companion, we press on, confident in our ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.