The First Martyr Part 1

Filled with Anger vs. Filled with the Spirit (vv 54-55a)

The leaders here were filled with such hate for the things of Christ that they would not even stop for a monument to consider if what Steven was saying was true or not.

The Sanhedrin had heard the truth.

They had heard Jesus’ teaching and witnessed His miracles.

They also had heard the preaching of the apostles and seen the miracles they performed.

Because of their continual rejection, Stephen did not give them another invitation but an indictment—one that filled them with rage.

In stark contrast to the Sanhedrin Steven was full of the Holy Spirit.

It was every day life for him.

The Spirit produces the fruit of godly living in believers’ daily lives.

But, as He did for Stephen, He also does provide special grace and strength in times of crisis.

Luke 12:11–12 ESV

11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

1 Peter 4:14 ESV

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

The Spirit grants grace to persecuted believers, enabling them to glorify God in their deaths.

Stephen was the prototype for countless thousands of Christian martyrs whose deaths have confirmed that truth.

We must boldly communicate Christ in all circumstances, knowing that the Holy Spirit will grant us the grace to face the consequences triumphantly and with joy and peace.

Spiritual Blindness and Spiritual Sight (vv 55b-57)

We don’t look for things of the world but for things of Heaven. Col 3:1

Colossians 3:1 ESV

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

This goes back to the trial of Jesus where He speaks in front of the Sanhedrin: Matt 26:63-64

Matthew 26:63–64 ESV

63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”