Thank God For Persecution part 1

Amy Carmichael was a missionary to India where she opened an orphanage and founded a mission. For 55 years she faithfully served without ever taking a furlough. She wrote the following words. “Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star, Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was wounded by the archers, spend, Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned: Hast thou no wound? No wound, no scar? Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, And, pierced are the feet that follow Me; But thine are whole: can he have followed far Who has no wounds nor scar?” http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/p/persecution.htm Accessed 11/11/17. She asks a powerful question. Can he have followed far, who has no wounds nor scar? How far will we follow Christ? How willing are we to suffer for His sake? Will our boldness for Christ carry past persecution?

No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?

I hear thee sung as mighty in the land,

I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star,

Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?

Yet I was wounded by the archers, spend,

Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent

By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned:

Hast thou no wound?

No wound, no scar?

Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,

And, pierced are the feet that follow Me;

But thine are whole: can he have followed far

Who has no wounds nor scar?

http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/p/persecution.htm

As we continue to look at the growth and advancement of the early church, this is where everything escalates. This is, in some respects, when it becomes very real. The cost is high! This is not some fun new fad! Being a follower of Jesus Christ of Nazareth comes at a high price! It is not the easy path. It is not something you do for kicks! This is serious business!

And yet persecution is something to be very thankful for. It separates the wheat and tares the sheep and goats the followers and fakers. Persecution drives us to Christ, it makes us desirous of heaven, and it causes us to reach out all the more. Persecution has a purifying effect on those who follow Christ. That is why our title is “Thank God For Persecution”.

The Persecution That Motivates The Disciples To Preach Chs. 6:8-8:3

This section of Acts deals with The Persecution That Motivates The Disciples To Preach Chs. 6:8-8:3. With this section we arrive at the end of the first part of the book. We have been dealing with the Spread of the gospel in Jerusalem. It is after the persecution and martyrdom of Stephen that the church moves out of Jerusalem. What we will be dealing with today is how Stephen’s Miracles Inspire The Persecution 6:8-15. There are two ways this persecution is carried out. It begins more mild and then increases in severity.

The Persecution That Motivates The Disciples To Preach Chs. 6:8-8:3

With this section we arrive at the end of the first part of the book. We have been dealing with the Spread of the gospel in Jerusalem. It is after the persecution and martyrdom of Stephen that the church moves out of Jerusalem.

i. Stephen’s Miracles Inspire The Persecution 6:8-15

Stephen’s Miracles Inspire The Persecution 6:8-15

Two ways the persecution is carried out.

This first one is more mild.

This passage of Scripture corrects two common misconceptions people have about the Christian life. The first misconception is that when we are walking with the Lord, everything is easy. The second misconception is that when life is difficult it must mean God is unhappy with us.

What Stephen faces here teaches us two vital lessons.

Faithfulness does not guarantee ease.

Persecution does not indicate God’s disfavor.

In learning these lessons we will be able to respond correctly to times of peace or persecution enabling us to proclaim Christ boldly as Stephen does.

As Stephen’s story unfolds he faces…

1. Persecution Executed Through Disputing vv. 8-10

1. Persecution executed through disputing vv. 8-10

In v. 5 we learned that Stephen is full of faith and the Holy Spirit. These character qualities take him into a very interesting situation. We need to understand that Stephen is a man of faith who is faithfully serving the Lord. Like Job, he is doing what is right and suddenly begins to suffer for it. As this passage lays out the persecution Stephen will face, we see a progression. We are first made aware of…

a. The cause of the dispute v. 8

Stephen’s name means “crown”. As the first to wear the martyr’s crown, this is very appropriate. Some of your translations may read “grace” here instead of faith. Either way, he is full of power and does miracles. This word “Full” is the Greek word πλήρης (plērēs) meaning full. Distinctive. Characterized by some particular trait or aspect; conceived of as being full of the characteristic.

Some of your translations may read “grace” here instead of faith. Either way, he is full of power and does miracles. This word “Full” is the Greek word πλήρης (plērēs) meaning full. Distinctive. Characterized by some particular trait or aspect; conceived of as being full of the characteristic.

distinctive ⇔ full adjs. — characterized by some particular trait or aspect; conceived of as being full of the characteristic.

Full – πλήρης (plērēs)

Full – πλήρης (plērēs) full. Distinctive ⇔ full adjs. — characterized by some particular trait or aspect; conceived of as being full of the characteristic. Attributive adjective, nominative, singular, masculine.

This word is important because it emphasizes what Stephen was known for. He was known for his faith (or grace) and power. Here is a man who is spirit-filled and spirit-controlled! He has already been found faithful in service. He has a good reputation and is known for his wisdom. This highlights a principle for us. God uses those who are serving. As they are faithful, He gives greater responsibility. If you want to be used by God, start serving. Serve faithfully and He will grant greater responsibility. In the parable of the talents and the unfaithful servant Jesus demonstrates this clearly. (S).

Matthew 25:21 NKJV

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

This is what we see taking place with Stephen. He is full of the Holy Spirit, He is full of faith (or grace), and He is full of power. What is the source of this power? The answer is found back in v. 5. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. You cannot be full of the power of the Holy Spirit if there is sin in your life! If we have known sin in our lives, we must confess it and turn from it before we can be used. demonstrates the hindrance of sin (S).

What is the source of this power? The answer is found back in v. 5. It is the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 66:18 NKJV

If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.

The power of the Holy Spirit in Stephen accomplishes wonders and signs among the people. Stephen does miracles. We are not told exactly what the miracles are. However, we are told they are done among the people. When it uses the word “people” it is referring to the common people versus the elites or leaders. When you look at the gospels and Acts you see that Christianity was largely a movement among the common people. There were some religious elites, but mostly it was fishermen, laborers, and the like.

When it uses the word “people” it is referring to the common people versus the elites or leaders.

Here is Stephen. He is a faithful, Spirit-filled man who is diligently working for the Savior. He is being used by God to do miracles. It is those miracles and his teaching that become the cause of a dispute. We are introduced to this dispute in the next verse as Luke presents…

b. The contestants of the dispute v. 9

In this verse we are given a list of those who worshiped at a certain synagogue. It was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Those who worshiped there were Cyrenians, Alexandrians, those from Cilicia, and Asia (S). It is unknown whether Stephen taught in this synagogue or not, but it seems significant to me that this opposition arises after he has been doing miracles. This is similar to what we see elsewhere in Acts. As soon as miracles are done that make the disciples popular with the people, there is opposition. According to Josephus the “freedmen” are those who were either captives or the children of captives who had been taken to Rome and later given freedom. For them Stephen’s teaching would have seemed dangerous and heretical. These men begin disputing with Stephen. The belief seems to be that they could silence or refute the miracles of Stephen if they could prove him doctrinally aberrant.

“Disputing” is the Greek word συζητέω (syzēteō) meaning dispute; debate; argue. To discuss vehemently in order to reach a solution or an agreement.

The belief seems to be that they could silence or refute the miracles of Stephen if they could prove him doctrinally aberrant.

Disputing – συζητέω (syzēteō)

This is a rather strong word. They are arguing with the express purpose of trying to change Stephen’s mind. Here is Stephen. He is faithfully serving the Lord, doing miracles, witnessing, and generally being obedient. But then opposition arises! He is verbally attacked and badgered by those striving to move Him away from Christ! This is where we begin to see one of our two primary lessons.

Faithfulness does not guarantee ease. In fact, it almost seems to lead to the opposite. Faithfulness in the little things means that God can trust you with the bigger things. Persecution is to be expected by the child of God! Paul emphasized this to Timothy in (S).

2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

We must stop looking at persecution as if it were this foreign invader! Our Lord suffered horrendous abuse and died for us! We dare not expect better treatment than what was given to Him! Peter speaks very strongly of this in .

In fact, it almost seems to lead to the opposite. Faithfulness in the little things means that God can trust you with the bigger things. Do not allow persecution to push you away from Christ! Keep focused on Him and He will get you through! We see this attitude in Stephen as the passage records…

1 Peter 4:12–19 NKJV

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Do not allow persecution to push you away from Christ! Keep focused on Him and He will get you through! We see this attitude in Stephen as the passage records…

c. The conclusion of the dispute v. 10

This is a powerful verse. Stephen did not lose his cool under duress. He didn’t fall apart when these men began arguing with him. His faith, power, and Holy Spirit enabled wisdom made it possible to dispute with these men in such a way that his arguments couldn’t be disproved or even resisted! The idea of this word “able” is that they lacked both the power and ability to resist Stephen. “Resist” is the Greek word ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi) meaning oppose; resist. To be against; express opposition to.

“Resist” is the Greek word ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi) meaning oppose; resist. To be against; express opposition to.

Resist – ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi)

They cannot even express their opposition because of the Spirit-filled wisdom with which Stephen responds! His defense is so well ordered and arranged that they cannot oppose it! This is what God can do with a Spirit-filled believer! This brings up our second major lesson. Persecution does not indicate God’s disfavor.

This is what God can do with a Spirit-filled believer!

Persecution does not indicate God’s disfavor.

In fact, the exact opposite is in view here. Stephen was faithful and obedient and so God has given him the blessing of persecution so that Stephen can have a new platform and audience in need of the gospel! What we see is God preparing Stephen and then deliberately placing him in this position to witness of Christ! Stephen does it so well that they cannot even answer his arguments! This is in keeping with God’s promises. ; (S).

This is in keeping with God’s promises. ; (S).

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Luke 12:12 NKJV

For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke 12:12 NKJV

For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke 12:11–12 NKJV

“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke 21:12–15 NKJV

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

Luke 21:15 NKJV

for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

Luke 21:5 NKJV

Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said,

This promise, made by Jesus to His disciples, is kept here with Stephen. He responds with Holy Spirit enabled wisdom and his adversaries are unable to resist him. This makes me ask myself a question. Would God put me in this kind of situation? Have I demonstrated myself to be faithful, to be obedient, spirit-filled, and wise? If given the chance to dispute for Christ, would I speak with Wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit? Would you? Preparation is key. We prepare through personal time in the Word. Through prayer. Through Bible study and regular church attendance.

This makes me ask myself a question. Would God put me in this kind of situation? Have I demonstrated myself to be faithful, to be obedient, spirit-filled, and wise? If given the chance to dispute for Christ, would I speak with Wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit? Would you? Preparation is key. We prepare through personal time in the Word. Through prayer. Through Bible study and regular church attendance.

You might think they would let it go after he so thoroughly disputes them. But that is not the case. Having failed to achieve the outcome they desired in the dispute, the take the persecution up a notch. What we find in the rest of the chapter is…

2. Persecution escalated through deception vv. 11-15

2. Persecution Escalated Through Deception vv. 11-15

I believe that all of this stems back to the miracles that Stephen was doing which gave him a greater audience for his teaching. In chs. 3-4 you have a lame man healed and then Peter and John arrested as they are preaching to a large crowd. In ch. 5 those sick and demon posses are healed and as a result multitudes are trusting Christ, then the disciples are arrested again. True to form, Stephen is doing miracles and preaching the gospel, and he faces opposition. In this latter part of the chapter we have Satan again attacking from outside the church. The dispute has failed and so they turn to deception. As Luke explains the deception he first gives us…

a. The motive of deception vv. 11-12

i. Motive advanced v. 11

Verse 11 starts with the word “Then” which is the Greek word τότε (tote).

Then – τότε (tote)

This is a temporal adverb and the idea is that what happens next is their immediate response to being unable to resist Stephen’s wise answers. Other important words here in v. 11 are “secretly”, and “induced”. Which literally translate one Greek word. These men are soliciting, almost bribing, people to say that Stephen is a blasphemer. They have to do this secretly and manipulatively because of Stephen’s character. v. 3 already told us he had a good reputation. This is the kind of character we need to have! To be so Christ-honoring that people have to be bribed to have anything bad to say of us. That’s quite a challenge.

The important words here in v. 11 are “secretly”, and “induced”.

What we also need to bear in mind as we look at what happens with Stephen is how the persecution of the early church escalates here. First it was just arrest and interrogation, then it was beating, with Stephen we arrive at the next step. The accusation against Stephen is in regards to the two sacred things for the Jews. Moses and God. Blasphemy carried a death penalty and that is what they are seeking here. Legally speaking this is the only accusation for which the Jews were allowed by Rome to carry out a death penalty. They are being very deliberate here. The threats and beatings have not silenced these followers of Jesus, now it’s time to try something more.

The accusation against Stephen is in regards to the two sacred things for the Jews. Moses and God. Blasphemy carried a death penalty and that is what they are seeking here.

We see these men achieve their motive in v. 12. They stir everyone up and get them to seize Stephen. “People” here is the same word used in v. 8. Those among whom Stephen had been doing miracles are now incited to rise against him. Doesn’t this remind you of the trial of Jesus? These men from the Synagogue of the freedmen get the common people, the elders, and the scribes to all band together against Stephen. Then then bring him before the Sanhedrin.

It is interesting that, like Daniel, they knew Stephen would be preaching the gospel and they knew where to find him. Again we are reminded that Faithfulness does not guarantee ease. In this situation faithfulness seems to be what has resulted in Stephen’s arrest. Once again we have one of the early church being dragged before the council. What we must note is that this is after repeated commands not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name. Stephen has broken their command giving them legal grounds for what is about to take place.

Faithfulness does not guarantee ease.

In this situation faithfulness seems to be what has resulted in Stephen’s arrest. Once again we have one of the early church being dragged before the council. What we must note is that this is after repeated commands not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name. Stephen has broken their command giving them legal grounds for some of what is about to take place.

ii. Motive achieved v. 12

Their motive seems to have been this arrest and now trial before the Sanhedrin. Put yourselves in Stephen’s place. You have been faithfully serving, performing miracles, and preaching the gospel. Now you are seized by some of the very people you were working with and brought before the council. For some this could lead to frustration and anger. But we are going to see that Stephen reacts differently. Not only have they stirred up opposition to arrest Stephen. They make further preparations which are seen in…

b. The material of deception vv. 13-14

i. General material v. 13

Just getting Stephen before the council is not enough. These men want him dead. With that desire they prepare false witnesses to speak against Stephen! Depending on your translation you may or may not have the word “blasphemous” in this verse. I believe it should be there because these men are seeking an occasion against Stephen and an accusation of blasphemy will get them what they want.

The claim is that Stephen is continually speaking blasphemy against the temple and the law. The reality that these are false witnesses tells us that Stephen was in no way guilty of the behavior he is accused of here. The only thing he is guilty of is faithfulness to Christ and doing miracles. Again we need to be reminded that Persecution does not indicate God’s disfavor.

Depending on your translation you may or may not have the word “blasphemous” in this verse. I believe it should be there because these men are seeking an occasion against Stephen and and accusation of blasphemy will get them the most attention in the shortest amount of time.

Persecution does not indicate God’s disfavor.

The opposite is true here! It is because of Stephen’s faithfulness and dedication to the Lord that he is facing this persecution. The charge goes from general blasphemy in v. 13 to specific blasphemy in v. 14. The claim is made that Stephen is predicting the destruction of the temple and change of the law through Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus did say that the temple would be destroyed. Look at ; (S).

The charge goes from general blasphemy in v. 13 to specific blasphemy in v. 14.

The claim is made that Stephen is predicting the destruction of the temple and change of the law through Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus did say that the temple would be destroyed. (S).

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John 2:19–21 NKJV

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Luke 21:5–6 NKJV

Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

His words were misunderstood and misquoted at His trial. He specifically said that He didn’t come to destroy the law or prophets but to fulfill them. (S).

Matthew 5:17 NKJV

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

The difficulty for the Jews was that Jesus continually questioned the traditions that had been allowed to supersede the law. Five times in Jesus says “You have heard that it was said” only to challenge the tradition with the words “But I say to you”. I believe that Stephen has been expounding these themes. It is also interesting that in their accusation against Stephen Moses is mentioned before God.

Isn’t it interesting that Moses is mentioned before God here?

While Luke says the witnesses are false, it does raise a question. What was Stephen teaching that gave rise to this? I would suspect that he is teaching something similar to the theme of Hebrews, the supremacy of Christ! In this book Christ is presented as God’s supreme revelation, as superior to angels, superior to Aaron, from a superior priesthood established on superior promises and part of a superior covenant, founded on the superior sacrifice of Christ! If these were the themes of Stephen’s preaching, opposition is inevitable.

What is key in v. 14 is the accusation that Stephen is preaching and teaching about Jesus of Nazareth. This is what the disciples had been commanded not to do. This is the real cause of the persecution here. This has not and will not change! There is always opposition to the preaching of Christ! Are we like Stephen? The only way they could accuse Stephen of anything was by organizing false witnesses to lie about him. Here Stephen is, he is standing before the Sanhedrin with an opportunity to preach Christ to them. We will see him take full advantage of this opportunity next week in ch. 7. This chapter closes with…

Are we like Stephen? The only way they could accuse Stephen of anything was by organizing false witnesses to lie about him. Here Stephen is, he is standing before the Sanhedrin with an opportunity to breach Christ to them. We will see him take full advantage of this opportunity next week in ch. 7. This chapter closes with…

ii. Specific material v. 14

c. The miscarriage of deception v. 15

To put it bluntly, they fail! All their deception is for nothing because of the character of Stephen! They look at him and he looks like an angel! He is innocent and holy! The accusations won’t stick because they are so obviously false! These are some of the very men who condemned Jesus. They are guilty! These guilty men look at the falsely accused Stephen and he looks like an angel. God is preserving Stephen that he might have an opportunity to proclaim Jesus Christ.

In the next chapter we will see the High priest asks Stephen about the accusations and he will preach a message in response. As we close today I want to contemplate our two main lessons.

Conclusion

Faithfulness does not guarantee ease.

If you are like me, then you have discovered that the Christian life is hard. Every single day a battle rages. I wake up fighting the world, the flesh, and the devil! At every turn there is temptation and trials! We see brothers and sisters falling victim to the darts of the enemy. Faithfulness doesn’t mean everything will be easy. So what does it mean? Faithfulness means that God will use us to reach the lost, use us to build up the saints, use us to bring Him glory! Faithfulness does not guarantee ease. But it does guarantee usefulness, effectiveness, and reward in glory!

Persecution does not indicate God’s disfavor.

This is one of the lies of Satan. The serpent from the garden is hissing in your ear, telling you that the trials and struggles you are facing are because God is mad at you. Don’t listen! Persecution doesn’t mean God doesn’t like you! In fact, the opposite is true. Persecution is sent to the faithful! It comes to those who are pursuing Christ with all their heart! Don’t believe the lie that hard times should happen to Christians! Trials, difficulty, and persecution are designed by God to strip away our faults, our failures, and our sin so that the Holy Spirit can build the character of Christ in us! Persecution brings purity.

If you are here and are experiencing difficulty, take heart! God is at work in your life.

God is more concerned with our faithfulness and growth than He is with our comfort.

In times of peace and persecution, may whatever we face be fuel for our passion to preach Christ.

“Rejoice In The Lord”

Acts 6:8–15 NKJV

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.