19 April 2021
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.
Acts 6: 8-15, NRSV
In recent days our readings have told us of the signs and wonders that God worked through the apostles. God worked through others also and today we hear the beginning of the story which led to Stephen’s martyrdom. It is not surprising that Stephen is described as being full of grace and power since he was one of the seven previously chosen to ensure the fair treatment of the widows in the community. It would seem that his gifts were by now being more widely recognised. Stephen was in the early stages of this new ministry when he started to face opposition from the Jewish authorities. Stephen followed in a long line of prophets, including Jesus, who had been rejected. Despite his relative inexperience, Stephen was able to participate confidently and knowledgably in theological debate. When the authorities were unable to defeat Stephen by means of argument, they proceeded to lay baseless accusations of blasphemy against him and thereby to turn the people against him. When faced with these accusations, we are told that Stephen’s face appeared like that of an angel. Even before he spoke to defend himself against the accusations, his accusers had to admit that God was with him.
- Why do you think the Jewish authorities needed to suppress Stephen?
- Have you experienced God’s presence when facing difficulties?
Pray for those like Stephen who are unjustly condemned.
