Stephen The First Martyr

by John Kerr, Barrhead, Scotland | Category: Lives As Lessons | Aug 1996

(Suggested reading Acts 6:1-15; 7:1-60; 8:1-3; 11:19,20).

Only a few years after Pentecost conflict between believers and unbelievers rose to new heights. How did it all happen and, strange though it seems, was it all part of God's plan for His people?

The background:

Stephen's confrontation was with members of a Jewish synagogue called the 'Synagogue of the Libertines'. These libertines were 'freed men', Jews like Paul who were also Roman citizens. From Ellicott's Commentary we learn of the probability that the Hellenists (Jews born outside Palestine and treated as second class citizens by the Palestinian Jews) met in one synagogue while the nonHellenists met in another. If that is the case, it seems possible that Stephen was a convert from the Synagogue of the Libertines, hence the fierce antagonism of those Jews to one of their former members who had become a Christian.

Trouble among the early Christians:

As far as the Acts narrative is concerned we are introduced to Stephen with the appointment of seven trusted men to look after certain practical matters in the Church of God in Jerusalem. The background to this was ethnic tension, inevitable in a young Church consisting of such different cultures and people. Sadly, as the Church of God increased so also did trouble in the Church. Thankfully however, this trouble was wisely contained and dealt with by the apostles in a way that was both spiritual and practical, resulting in a clear bond of unity among the dissenting parties within the Church and a nobler testimony to unbelievers outside.

Trouble among Christians today:

How different from what happens in some local companies of believers in Christendom today: they get larger and larger till they split, one faction going off to set up 'another table' and the other faction going in the opposite direction, so to speak. Such divisions are usually the result of a few strong-minded persons not being able to get on together, and leading others after them. This should be distinguished in our minds from a movement of the Holy Spirit where God's people as a whole may be led to separate from ungodly behaviour among all with whom they had fellowship(1). This important lesson for our times is apt at present, as churches across the world are more and more divided over the so-called 'Toronto blessing'. In many cases, specially in churches not united in fellowship, leaders go off at times and do what they feel is best without due regard to the views of others. This is an inevitable result of autonomy in the local assembly. There are many matters in which responsibility for the local assembly is rightly a matter for local leaders. However, when local leaders cannot agree, are there not God-given principles to maintain unity in the local church, as well as in their whole fellowship? Surely even a cursory reading of the New Testament leads to the conclusion that God's will for churches of God today is that responsibility among leaders is a widely shared matter. Scripture provides a fundamental principle when it states that 'Jehovah our Elohim is one Jehovah', ASV(2). This is such a basic element in the whole of Scripture, that anything bearing God's Name or associated with Him must surely reflect that unity.

The choosing of Stephen:

Coming back to Stephen, we learn that he was commissioned by the apostles through prayer and the laying on of hands after being chosen by the Church. How this choosing was done we do not know, but it is important that persons who take responsibility have the confidence of the disciples within the Church. Such persons must also have a good reputation beyond the Church(3). It is unacceptable to be one kind of person to your brethren and sisters inside and a different kind of person to friends and colleagues outside.

Miraculous gifts:

In Stephen the combination of wisdom, a good reputation and being full of the Holy Spirit resulted in a person whom God could use. So it is not surprising' that we find him full of faith and power, doing great wonders and signs among the people such as are surely not seen today, e.g. the blind, deaf, dumb or lame instantly, permanently healed or the dead being raised(4). So in no sense have the days of the apostolic gifts been revived, in spite of there being numerous charismatic churches in the area where I live. I have met charismatic Christians and highly regard their sincerity and devotion, but their claims simply do not match the New Testament gifts in my opinion. Even today's professed speaking in 'tongues' is wide open to question; for scriptural speaking in tongues involved known languages, and their objective was spiritual edification, whereas modem counterparts fail to meet these criteria.

A re-run of the Lord's trial:

We must not overlook the main purpose of these seven appointments: the need to free the apostles so that they could give themselves to prayer and ministry. Should there not be some, specially leaders in the churches of God today, who are free to give priority to these spiritual features? In Stephen's case it was not long until he emerged as a man who had a glorious spiritual future before him. Why, 0 why, is it that God takes home to Himself such men and women who are full of potential? Even in our time this is a burden some have to bear, almost as if God takes the best for Himself. Persecuted, arrested, charged yet undaunted, Stephen defends himself with a powerful Spirit-led witness before his accusers. It reads almost like a re-run of our Lord's trial. The same old attitudes of the council, the false information, (the Lord never said that He would destroy the Temple(5)) and the resultant wrong verdict. Out of it, however, came so many wonderful things, including Stephen's eloquent history lesson; a brilliant summary of God's Old Testament dealings with Israel. Finally Stephen touches a 'raw nerve' when he shows that his accusers were the murderers of the Christ, and they became incensed as he increasingly manifested the fulness of the Holy Spirit. When their pent-up anger descends upon him, the Saviour is seen standing at the 'right-hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens'(6) and opens Stephen's eyes so that he can behold his Lord. He, the Savour, is present to comfort. Communion with heaven and with the Man now on the throne is the greatest antidote to persecution and suffering.

Blessing out of sorrow:

Inevitably the death sentence followed, formalities were dispensed with and Stephen was cast out to the place where the stoning would take place. Now God's purposes are going to advance an important stage forward and the death of Stephen is the key element. We do not need to look far for the reason: a young man is about to be apprehended by God for one of the greatest missions of all time (7).

Saul of Tarsus, at whose feet the persecutors laid their garments, would never forget the face, 'like the face of an angel', and the saintly martyr's witness to his vision of the hated Jesus of Nazareth. What an influence Stephen must have had on Saul. It is not surprising that when Saul's turn came to 'see the heavenly vision' he was not disobedient. What a privilege when our lives influence others for good. It is lovely to reflect on the lives of some disciples in the churches of God today, both brethren and sisters, who set such a godly example in the face of pain, sorrow or tragedy. Struggling on with unshakeable trust in God - like Stephen - little do they realize that the triumph of their example is a major source of strength and encouragement to others. 'Lord bless them all' is the prayer of those of us who have been free of such troubles, but who know that one day we may be called on to enter similar experiences.

An honoured place in Scripture:

There was one other thing that Stephen did not know, perhaps even more important and far reaching. Never could he have guessed that one day the sacred writings would fully record his eloquent witness and steadfast trust in God. Thus millions of believers in the centuries to follow would stand in awe of the first Christian martyr and give thanks to God.

Stephen's dramatically shortened life shows what can be accomplished in the purposes of God when a disciple is fully yielded to the Master. Many of us may have served for longer, but by comparison have done so little; yet we all should be encouraged to increase diligence and faithfulness.

We say 'Farewell' to a man of God after such a brief period of service. A waste? Never! God's ways are higher than ours and so are His thoughts(8).

(1) 2 Tim. 2:10,21, Acts 19:8,9;

(2) Deut. 6:4;

(3) 1 Tim. 3:7;

(4) Acts 4:16; 9:32-42; 8:7,8; Rom. 15:19;

(5) John 2:19;

(6) Heb. 8:1;

(7) Acts 22:21;

(8) Is. 55:8,9.

John Kerr, Barrhead, Scotland | Aug 1996
Lives As Lessons