Falsely Accused

Acts 6:9-15

Professional golfer Tommy Bolt died in 2008 at the age of 92. Because of his memorable displays of temper, many called him Thunderbolt. He gave others advice on how to express their displeasure adequately on a golf course. One of his favorites was, “Always throw the club ahead of you so you can pick it up on your way.” Another well-intentioned warning was for the angry golfer: “Never break your driver and putter in the same round.” Many believe Bolt’s temper tantrums delayed his entry into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He defended his excesses by pleading that he never threw a club that didn’t deserve it. He also pleaded that they haven’t yet made as many golf clubs as people have accused him of throwing.

How would you like that to be your legacy?[1]

How many of you have ever experienced false accusations? What emotions did you encounter in that moment? How did you respond? What was the basis for these accusations? How many of you have found yourselves in a situation similar to Stephen's? When facing accusations, consider three attributes that explain the reason for such persecution. The first attribute is being filled with the Holy Spirit. The second attribute is grace, and the third is power.

Filled:

Stephen’s accusers were upset not because of what Stephen was saying, but because of the grace and power with which he said it. How did he have these attributes? He was filled with the Holy Spirit. We have learned that the filling of the Holy Spirit is more than a one-time instance. When you accept Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit, but there is also a laying on of hands, as we have seen throughout Acts, and Christ gives to His apostles to receive the Spirit's filling.

Consider it from this perspective. How many times do you consume water, ideally? Did you do so only once? Certainly not. What would occur if you only drank water once and never again? You would face demise. Similarly, we treat the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Him. What would happen if your vehicle's gas light illuminated and your car prompted you to refuel, but you disregarded it? You would deplete your fuel supply and need to seek assistance. This analogy illustrates how we neglect the Holy Spirit and subsequently question our inability to withstand spiritual attacks.

Consider the teachings of Jesus in John 15:4-6, where He explicitly states that without Him, we are incapable of accomplishing anything. Although He has sent His Spirit to dwell within us, there is often inadequate engagement with the Spirit. Stephen recognized the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit to fulfill the divine calling. He prayed diligently and committed himself to the apostles' teachings. His connection to God was maintained through daily filling, which rendered him full of grace.

John 15:4–6 LSB

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit from itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

Grace:

I hold a deep appreciation for grace. Grace is the foundation on which we stand daily. Without the Grace of Jesus Christ, all would be lost. It is intriguing that we are swift to accept grace but hesitant to extend it to others. This week, I have reflected on grace and the Lord has provided numerous opportunities for me to demonstrate it; however, I have often fallen short. What is the nature of this grace that Stephen exemplified? The Greek term is “charis,” which signifies to rejoice and to be glad.

This week, Mama Rock underwent surgery to remove cancer. Prior to the procedure, we conversed, and her display of faith was truly inspiring. However, what was more remarkable than her faith was her joy. She was living in grace, much like Stephen. When an individual demonstrates such grace, it is contagious and can destabilize adversaries.

The accusers of Stephen were unable to withstand the divine presence that emanated from him. As noted in verse 15, his face reflected the appearance of an angel. The expression “light up the room” is thus aptly illustrated by this instance, as Stephen entered, causing the candles to diminish in brightness due to the grace he radiated.

Please consider the words of Paul, Ephesians 2:8-9; it is grace that has saved us, and this is a divine gift from God. When I receive a gift that I find exciting, I am eager to share it with everyone I know. I even inform strangers about the gift I have received. This is the attribute of Grace that Stephen is exemplifying. It is an attribute that we can all demonstrate because it resides within us. As we learn to exhibit this grace, a transformative power emerges.

Ephesians 2:8–9 LSB

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.

Power:

The Greek term is “dynameos,” derived from “dynamis,” signifying “able” or “capable.” It is the origin of the word ‘dynamite’; however, it is not employed in that context here. As Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and grace, he possessed the authority to fulfill the divine purpose assigned to him by God. The capacity to perform wonders and signs among the people indicates that he transcended the typical role of a deacon. Instead, his actions associate him closely with the apostles, as only the apostles, Stephen, Philip, and Barnabas, engaged in performing miracles.

Does that mean we cannot exhibit the same power as Stephen or the apostles? No! We can have this power, but we need a renewal of the Spirit with grace. Philippians 4:13 Paul was clear that he was able to do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. Paul was preparing for his death when he made that statement. His words remind us that we can face any challenge because of Christ. Stephen’s story shows that we can face our accusers with grace and power.

Philippians 4:13 LSB

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

But for us to have the ability to stand against the enemy, we must be connected to the source of the power and grace. 2 Corinthians 3:5 gives us where our ability comes from. Just as we drink water daily or fill our cars with gas, we should desire to fill our souls with the Lord daily.

2 Corinthians 3:5 LSB

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,

I leave you with this: In the Civil Rights Movement, countless individuals faced their accusers—those who opposed their fight for justice and equality—yet they stood firm in their beliefs. For instance, Rosa Parks, by refusing to give up her seat on the bus, faced arrest and condemnation. Her bravery inspired a generation to confront injustice with grace and truth. Just as she faced her accusers, we too are called to confront our own challenges, trusting God to strengthen us in our convictions.

[1]Wilson, Jim L., and Rodger Russell. 2015. “The Anger of Tommy Bolt.” In 300 Illustrations for Preachers, edited by Elliot Ritzema. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.