A Willing Sacrifice: The Martyrdom of Stephen

Introduction

We hear of Christians being killed or beaten in countries around the world. Stephen, the Deacon, of the church in Jerusalem was the very first Christian to be killed for his faith in Jesus Christ. Chances are is that you will probably not be called to lay down your life for your faith in Jesus Christ, but have you considered God wants everyone of us to die daily to ourselves? Our selfish desires? Sin? Maybe even what we as Americans consider our rights?

Look with me at Acts 7:54–60. Here, we find the first Christian who gave the ultimate sacrifice. “54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 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.”

D. Stephen was a willing sacrifice for the Lord Jesus.

P. Have you determined that you will be a living sacrifice to God.

Romans 12:1 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

T. The ultimate test of devotion is our willingness to be completely surrendered to God’s will regardless of the cost.

You may be called to witness to people who will reject you for telling them about Jesus.

1. Spirit Conviction is resisted.

Acts 7:54 “54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.”

Explain

Rebuke: Heard these things. They heard the fiery indictment of Stephen. He had preached a message. God’s works his plan throughout history although it is rejected. He accomplishes his will anyways though YOU reject Him. You are stiffnecked, uncircumcised in heart and ears, resisters of the Holy Ghost, just like your fathers who killed the prophets, murderers the Just One, and law breakers. Whew! Unwilling, undiscerning, unchanged, unmerciful, unsubmitted, unteachable.

Unwilling - stiffnecked.

The Israelites were first called this when they made a golden calf in the wilderness and claimed they were worshipping God.

Exodus 32:9 “9 And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”

They were a people that made it hard and difficult on the Lord and Moses.

Undiscerning - uncircumcised in heart and ears

This depicts a heart that is not discerning what his right. It is dull and unresponsive to truth.

The ears may hear words, but the uncircumcised ear doesn’t understand.

Unsubmissive - always resistors of the Holy Ghost

They may hear what they are told to do, but they are unwilling to obey.

Unchanging - Do as your fathers.

There fathers had persisted in doing what they wanted regardless of what God said.

Their persistent action in the same sin as their fathers showed they did not fear God. Psalm 55:19 “19 God shall hear, and afflict them, Even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, Therefore they fear not God.”

Unmerciful - persecutors and murders of the Just One.

These Jews are intolerant of anyone who accuses them of wrong or disagrees with their view.

Tyrants operate the same way. They rule with the sword and view themselves as THE authority. They see themselves accountable to no one.

Unteachable - Ye have not kept the law.

They did not keep the law of the Romans, who ruled over them will be later seen as they will kill Stephen.

While it is impossible for us to keep the law perfectly, ironically the Jews thought their keeping of the law would make them righteous before God.

Isaiah 64:6 “6 But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Galatians 3:21 “21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.”

Many still believe through good works they can earn salvation from God.

Response:

Cut to the Heart - They know Stephen speaks truth. Yet, they angrily don’t want to think about or accept what he says.

Stephens message in a sense tore their heart wide open. It revealed all the sin in it and they didn’t like it. The preacher stomped on their toes.

The word comes from a word which means to saw in two. Stephen’s message cut deep and painfully.

Gnashing upon him with the teeth.

They were so mad they were grinding their teeth in anger at Stephen.

RRRRRRR! The pain of conviction wasn’t repentance, but rage.

Argue

Doesn’t a negative response show God does not approve? No.

Illustrate:

Didn’t Jesus say and do all that his Father told him to do? John 17:4 “4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Yes. He did.

Therefore, you may do all God tells you to do and still be mistreated by others.

Matthew 5:12 “12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Apply

You may be rejected by men. Stephen was.

You may say all the right words.

You may do it all with the right attitude.

You may still be rejected.

People may get very angry at you for telling them what is right. When God gives you the opportunity to speak for Him be clear and to the point.

T. Sometimes that might seem brash and uncaring, but notice what happens next.

2. Seen Confirmation of Christ’s Resurrection.

Acts 7:55–56 “55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

Explain

Stephen saw God’s glory.

While the council is filled with anger, Stephen is still filled with the Holy Ghost. Stephen had just told the council, they had killed their Savior. Acts 7:52 “52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:”

This is very significant in our day when it is considered sin to confront what the Bible calls sin.

Those who call out sin for what it is are often called bigots, judgmental, and narrow minded in our society.

Stephen’s witness for Christ reminds us that a true Gospel witness must condemn sin. We cannot preach inclusiveness. What I mean is we cannot preach that you can come to Jesus and God is pleased that you live however you want.

You come to God as you are.

But afterwards things ought to start changing. We have been called to holiness. God, not society, defines what holiness is. So we better pay attention to God’s Word and obey it.

A mark of being filled with the Holy Spirit is a willingness to boldly address sin and a person’s need to receive Jesus as their Savior.

Notice where Stephen is looking. Stephen is intently looking to heaven and sees God’s throne room. God is on his throne and the Son of man is standing next to him. God allowing Stephen to see into heaven is approval of his message.

Who is the Son of man? The Son of man was Jesus favorite designation for himself. It is used 84 times in the Gospels. As I read through the verses the title affirms Jesus’ deity over and over again. i.e. his power to forgive sins, his sufferings, resurrection, his future coming and kingdom, his authority to judge, etc. (Mk. 2:10; 8:31; 38; Mt. 24:47; John 5:27)

The title is used throughout the Old Testament for people like us, but in Daniel 7:13 it is used in reference to Jesus.

“13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.” Daniel 7:13

This interpretation is affirmed through Jesus and the apostle’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15:23-28.

Therefore, the Son of Man standing here is Jesus Christ, the Son of God! God manifest in the flesh!

Do you notice what Jesus, the Son of man, is doing? Right, he is standing.

Jesus giving Stephen standing ovation. He is welcoming him to be with Him.

Normally we find that Jesus would be sitting at the right hand of the Father. But for Stephen he is standing.

Argue

Why is Jesus standing?

Hebrews 10:12 “12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

The Son of man is standing up to give him a standing ovation for his preaching.

Illustrate

Apply

Be full of the Holy Spirit and look to Jesus. This will give you strength when you face opposition to your faith in Jesus Christ.

What Spirit-filled is not. It is not being filled with alcohol. Ephesians 5:18a

What Spirit-filled is.

Speaking to yourself truth of Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Ephesians 5:19a

Singing in your heart to God. Ephesians 5:19b

Giving thanks to God. Eph. 5:20

Submitting ourselves to one another in the fear of God. Eph. 5:21

When these cease to be a part of our attitude we have stopped being Spirit-filled. When that happens we need to ask forgiveness for the sin that stopped us and and seek to praise God and surrender to him afresh. You may have to do it multiple times in a day. That’s okay let us keep seeking Him as a church.

Look to Jesus.

Titus 2:13 “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

Like Stephen looked to his help from heaven. May we intently expect God’s help when we are in trouble.

Jesus is for his children.

I believe Jesus standing there is Jesus getting ready to welcome Stephen into heaven.

Psalm 116:15 “15 Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of his saints.”

Just as you get up and run to a loved one come home, I believe Jesus is getting up to welcome his brother home. Isaiah 53:11 “11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.”

Jesus is satisfied. His servant Stephen has trusted him and now he gets ready to welcome him to heaven. Are you looking forward to that day when you see Jesus. What a day that will be? When I look upon His face, the one who saved me by his blood.

3. Speedy Condemnation of a Saint.

Acts 7:57–58 “57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.”

Explain

Shouted Loudly

These religious men are zealous for what they believe. Yet, what they believe is wrong. Even though they have just been given a clear presentation of why they should trust Christ. They don’t want to hear another word. For Stephen has accused them of killing the Just One. The situation quickly escalates to mob violence. The Word of God cut to their heart and they didn’t like it.

I know some in this church have had people yell at you because you mentioned Jesus in conversation. They don’t want to hear another word because it makes them uncomfortable, it is convicting.

John 16:8 “8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”

Stopped Listening

This council of religious men thought themselves too wise to be instructed by the likes of Stephen. They were the educated elite, the authorities in the land. Often this is a typical response of authority to those under them.

They don’t even give Stephen a moment of thoughtful consideration. He just has to be wrong. Anyone who would believe Jesus is God is dangerous to their way of life.

We see this today by those of all different backgrounds. They see Jesus as upsetting their status quo. True, if you believe Jesus to be God’s Son there will be changes in your life. However, instead of viewing it as destroying the status quo I invite you to see that it is actually is breaking from the chains of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Stampeding Livids

These men rushed upon Stephen seizing him, dragging him out of the city, and throwing him out.

Proverbs 14:17 “17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: And a man of wicked devices is hated.”

Stoning Lawessly.

While the Jews Law said they were to stone a blasphemers (Lev. 24:16), the way Stephen was killed was in mob violence.

Proverbs 14:29 “29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”

Under Roman Law the Jews were not allowed to execute their criminals. It first had to go through the Romans courts.

Those who stoned Stephen took their coats of and laid them at Saul’s feet, a young man who consented to Stephen’s death.

Argue

Weren’t these Jews in their own mind obeying the Law of God? Yes. Sadly they were. Jesus had warned his disciples that some would think they were doing God service to kill them.

Illustrate

Apply:

How do you respond to God’s Word?

Angry - Proverbs 12:16 “16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: But a prudent man covereth shame.”

Do you get mad when someone points out sin in your life?

Even if it may not always be done in what we consider a right way, we should respond humbly to God.

Closed ears - Matthew 13:15 “15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

Some people have decided they are just not gonna listen. They are apathetic towards God.

Are you apathetic towards God’s Word? These leaders thought they already knew it all. Therefore, when Stephen’s cut their hearts, they did not repent they stoned him for “blasphemy”.

Some today are so committed their way of thinking that any challenge to it is viewed as abominable. Sadly we have seen this in culture with abortion, sexual purity, and language.

No regard - Proverbs 21:24 “24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, Who dealeth in proud wrath.”

As they ran to stone Stephen, some run against the message of Jesus is exclusively God’s plan to save mankind.

Their pride blinded them to their need for Jesus.

Lord, please give us eyes to see our sin and your truth clearly. Then lead us in your way. Psalm 25:4 “4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.” Psalm 25:14 “14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; And he will shew them his covenant.”

Do you realize that when you speak for Christ you may be very poorly treated.

Have you counted the cost to follow Jesus? I have decided to follow Jesus. Luke 9:62 “62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Are you committed to give your life if necessary for Jesus Christ?

Will you commit to live your life as a living sacrifice. You don’t have rocks thrown at you to be the right kind of Christian. It’s daily obedience to be joyful in the Lord.

4. Supplicating Cry for forgiveness.

Acts 7:59–60 “59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 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 8:1 “1 And Saul was consenting unto his death...”

Explain

Stephen cries to God to receive Him.

While the council has rejected his testimony for Jesus, he asks for Jesus to receive him.

Romans 10:9 “9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Stephen cries loudly to Jesus for their forgiveness.

“Lay not this sin to their charge.”

Those standing by heard his cry.

The same verb used to describe Jesus standing at the right hand of God is now used in a request for forgiveness.

Jesus could have seen this as a final rejection and stood against all these men for their rejection of him.

He is asking Jesus to not stand up in the heavenly court room of divine justice and take up a case against these men who are stoning him to death.

Stephen like his God prefers mercy over judgment. Micah 7:18 “18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, And passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, Because he delighteth in mercy.”

Matthew 5:44 “44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

When this angry mob cast him out of the Stephen and threw rocks at him till he died, Stephen cries out to Jesus, not for vengeance, but forgiveness.

When people treat you wrongly for the sake of Jesus’ name, do you ask God for vengeance? Or, do you extend forgiveness?

Luke includes another note regarding Saul at this point. Saul was consenting to his death. Saul would spearhead the persecution of Christians until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus and we see a direct answer to prayer for one of his persecutors forgiveness.

Argue

Why was Stephen willing to give his life for Jesus sake?

He wanted these men to know Jesus could save them, even if it cost him his life to do so.

2 Corinthians 5:14 “14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”

Illustrate

People give their lives to many things. Many can be very dedicated to a sport, exercise, or some favorite hobby. It consumes their time, thinking, and is their love. Other things are neglected for the love or slavery of a passion.

Watching the Olympics, they will sometimes do a short video on the athlete’s personal life and training and talk about the dedication it takes to compete well. As one Olympic gold medalist confessed, I feel like I am world’s worst mom. Her training had cost her much time away from her one year old child.

Giving your life to Christ is costly. Stephen had No Reserves. No Regrets. No Retreat. What about you?

Apply

Are you willing to give your life for the Lord Jesus. It is a matter of daily surrender. It means I take up my cross daily and follow Christ. I say no, to complaining, gossiping, perhaps even comforts to make sure my family, my neighbors know about Christ. Stephen was committed to tell even when they were pelting him with stones he desired his persecutors salvation.

Praise God for the testimony of Stephen.

Conclusion

Have you in a sense like the counsel put Jesus and his followers on trial. I ask you humbly to trust Jesus Christ.

Christian, are you willing as Stephen to be a living sacrifice for Jesus Christ? Tell the Lord I am willing to die for you, but in the mean time I will live for you with all I am.