Stephen, a Leader Prepared for Death
Stephen, a Leader Prepared for Death
The exact background of Stephen, a hero of the Christian faith, is not known. The Bible says very little about his story. But what little is mentioned is of unquestionable richness. He was a leader prepared for death. He was a true martyr. Being a martyr is not for everyone; it takes a leader fully aware of his calling and willing to do whatever it takes to honor it and glorify the One who called him.
Imagine if Stephen were alive in our pandemic days. Would he be content with closed churches? We have seen very few leaders rise up, question, and demand that churches be reopened, while taking all necessary precautions. Stephen was an extraordinary martyr. His message was irresistible, along with his authority, courage, and Spirit-given wisdom (Acts 6:10). The officials produced false witnesses against him (Acts 6:13). Faced with the authorities' threats, he begins to tell the story of Israel (Acts 7:1-50) and boldly accuses the authorities (Acts 7:51-53). The end of the story is simply astonishing! Stephen's life is an example to all of us.
Stephen was a leader God had prepared for death. At the start of the confrontation, his opponents were stunned by Stephen's appearance. They saw that his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). God has given us one of the most beautiful stories of justice. First, we see the accusers' desperate reaction in Acts 7:54: "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him." Acts 7:57 says: "At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him." Now look at how God prepares someone who is about to die. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). At the end of his life, he says, "Lord, receive my spirit," and, finally, he reveals his forgiving heart (Acts 7:60).
It is worth suffering for Jesus, because there is no suffering strong enough to take away the peace, the joy of seeing heaven open to receive us in our final moments.