Gentle Giant

Acts 7:1-53

What is the rationale behind selecting this particular title for these scriptures? Alternative titles could include "Apologetics," "Believers Stand Firm," or "Facing Your Adversary," all of which may be appropriate. The term "Gentle Giant" encapsulates all these themes. But what precisely defines a "Gentle Giant"? Such individuals remain steadfast with God despite societal reproach. They do not waver in their faith in Christ under pressure and are prompt to defend their beliefs. These believers undertake all these actions driven by love — not superficial affection, but love that stems exclusively from Christ. Examples of such individuals are referenced in Hebrews 11. Stephen articulates to the Sanhedrin the history of their ancestors, highlighting certain patriarchs as "gentle giants." Notably, he omits some, like Joshua, who declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), and Daniel, who refused to comply with the king’s decree, remaining loyal to God even when cast into the lion’s den.

Joshua 24:15 LSB

“If it is evil in your sight to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

Twin brothers David and Jason Benham were five weeks into filming their reality TV show when HGTV decided to pull the plug on the house flipping series. A liberal watchdog website said the brothers had spoken out in favor of traditional marriage and that their father was a pro-life activist. There was a social media campaign to pressure HGTV to cancel the show, and it worked. The brothers refused to give in to political correctness, responding, “If our faith costs us a television show, then so be it.” Just as Daniel refused to bend his knee to the false gods of his day, these brothers are standing for what they believe.

They exhibit being a gentle giant. They did not yell, say ugly things, or belittle anyone, gossip, or throw a tantrum; they just stood their ground. There are three characteristics of a gentle giant: respect/love, truth, and apologetics.

Respect/Love:

We live in a society where there is zero respect and zero love. Do we see love, yes, but not like we should. I can disagree with you, but that does not give me the right to disrespect you. We should never desire harm to anyone, including our enemies. We are different, and it is time we embrace that difference. Moses was different; it said he was beautiful but had a stutter. God taught him to embrace his difference more than his beauty. His beauty saved him, but his stutter would save an entire nation. This difference we have is LOVE, not worldly love, but godly love.

Stephen exhibited reverence and affection as a gentle giant before the court. Observe his opening words, “Brothers and fathers, hear me…,” which function as terms of endearment and illustrate his respect. Stephen acknowledged that the content within him held greater significance than the material world. Although he could have adopted an aggressive, condemnatory stance, doing so would have been counterproductive. We observe Paul employing similar terminology when addressing the crowd during his arrest, as recorded in Acts 22:1. Recall what Paul conveyed to us in 1 Corinthians 13:13: What is the greatest? If we love, we are compelled to speak the truth, even if it defends others.

Acts 22:1 LSB

“Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 LSB

But now abide faith, hope, love—these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Truth:

We live in a world not so different from that time. Rome was a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures, just like the USA. Truth was whatever your religion said it was as long as it did not go against the government. For the Jews, their religion was designed by God, but man had made it impossible to attain. Sometimes we forget. We forgot from where Christ saved us. Sometimes we forget who we serve. Sometimes we forget the mission. The Sanhedrin Court had forgotten, and Stephen was going to present the truth from the very beginning.

Occasionally, we sing songs and recite the words without allowing them to penetrate our hearts and communicate with us. We commit disworship to God through superficial acts of worship, which are merely motions rather than manifestations of a genuine heart transformation. When was the last time we permitted His words to penetrate our hearts and provoke a response? A gentle giant consistently allows the Gospel to penetrate and cleanse his heart daily before sharing the truth with others. Why? Because if it does not inspire us to be conformed to the image of Christ, it will not effectively lead others from their sins to Christ. There is only one person who can set people free: Jesus Christ (John 8:36). Stephen understood that they needed to be reminded of the truth; he delivered the longest apologetic speech in Acts.

John 8:36 LSB

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Apologetics:

We are called to defend our faith or to provide an account of our faith when questioned. If someone inquires about the reasons for your beliefs, what would your response be? If you find yourself unable to present a defense utilizing the Gospel and your personal testimonies, I invite you to engage in a discussion. I will assist you in reaching clarity, but your initial steps should be prayer and reading His words. There are no valid excuses for failing to defend your faith, as emphasized in Titus 1:9, 1 Peter 3:15, and Philippians 1:16.

Titus 1:9 LSB

holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict.

1 Peter 3:15 LSB

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and fear,

Philippians 1:16 LSB

the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

The term 'apologetics' originates from the Greek word “apologia,” which translates to 'a speech in defense of something.” Please listen carefully to what I am about to convey. The moment an individual begins shouting or exhibiting belligerence, it is appropriate to cease communication. Providing a defense does not entail enduring insults. If the other party is unwilling to listen, it is advisable to walk away. Gentle giants are not required to force the Gospel; rather, they are present to disseminate the Gospel with love. If you find yourself in a situation akin to Stephen’s, maintain your position without raising your voice.

Listen to Stephen’s apologetics. He recalls Joseph’s story, emphasizing how his brothers threw him into a well and subsequently sold him. However, did Joseph harbor resentment towards them? No! Joseph was a gentle giant; he forgave them. He told them, "What you meant for evil, God used for good.” The imagery of Jesus Christ is what Stephen is illustrating for his audience. Just as Joseph’s brothers were evil to him and sought to kill him, God used that situation to save an entire nation. Similarly, what was done to Jesus Christ—His killing—was part of God’s plan to redeem all who call upon the Name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Stephen references Moses, noting that although he was initially rejected, he was later followed. This imagery draws a parallel to Jesus Christ, illustrating that individuals may first reject Him but ultimately follow Him. Moses, considered a gentle giant, permitted God to utilizing him for His divine purposes. Stephen employs love and truth in his apologetics before the court. As the saying goes, 'truth hurts,' particularly when conveyed with love. The strength of his defense resides in his unwavering faith in Christ. He firmly believed without any doubt that Christ is the Messiah and that His Word is the absolute truth. A gentle giant believes that God’s Word is inerrant and profitable for building up, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 LSB

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I would like to leave you with this thought: How many Gospels are there? Four. What if I told you there is a fifth? What is the fifth Gospel? It is you. A Gentle Giant is gentle because he lives for Christ on earth. People might not read the Gospels or even the Bible, but they are observing you. They feared the people of the Way because the lives they led convicted them. Their actions spoke louder than their words. What Gospel are you presenting to the world around you today? Stephen did not look like them; he resembled Christ, which made them fear him.