SF883 - The Making of a Martyr (Acts 6 8-15)

Acts 6:8-15

Introduction

This passage marks the beginning of a transition from Peter to Paul.

Stephen bridges the gap between Peter and Paul.

Stephen is a key figure in the NT.  He shows that it is not necessarily the length of ministry but the quality of ministry.

Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

Stephen shows three evidences of greatness that are essential for a martyr.  They are seen in his character, his courage, and his countenance.

1A.      His Character  (6:8)

1B.      Stephen was full of faith.

He believed that God ruled history.  (7:1-51)

Romans 14:8 (NASB) 8for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

He believed that Jesus was the Messiah.  (7:52, 55-56, 59-60))

He believed in the Holy Spirit  (7:51)

2B.      Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit.

“To be filled with the Spirit is to obey fully God’s will.”  (MacArthur)

It is the privilege of every believer

Ephesians 5:18 (NASB) 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

3B.      Stephen was full of grace.

He was gracious in his death.  (7:59)

He was gracious to those who killed him.  (7:60)

4B.      Stephen was full of power.

He was continually manifesting God’s power.

“was performing” = imperfect tense, continually doing these things.

2A.      His Courage  (6:9-14)

1B.      His accusers  (6:9a)

Their anger

“rose up” = enraged

Their origins

Ø      Freedman, descendant of Jewish slaves captured by Pompey in 63 B.C.

Ø      Cyrenians and Alexandrians, major cities in North Africa

Ø      Cilicia and Asia, Roman provinces in Asia Minor

2B.      The argument  (6:9b-10)

They attempted to debate Stephen  (6:9b)

“argued, suzeteo,” a formal debate

They could not overcome Stephen  (6:10)

“Spirit”may refer to his zeal.

3B.      The attack  (6:11-12)

They attacked the person not the issue.  (6:11)

Adhominen argument

They became violent.  (6:12)

“dragged away, sunarpazo;” to seize with violence

4B.      The accusation  (6:13-14)

They falsely accused him  (6:13-14)

Ø      Blasphemy is speaking evil of something God deems sacred.

Ø      They accused him of deny the ability of the law to save and of speaking against the Temple.

3A.      His Countenance  (6:15)

1B.      Stephen displayed God’s glory.

2B.      God showed His approval of His messenger.

3B.      God showed His approval of His message.

Application

Are you the kind of Christian that has the making of a martyr?

Character – Courage - Counenance