Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, is preaching truth in the synagogue. They can’t argue back, so they pay liars to drag him before the Jewish leaders. He delivers an incredible sermon—Abraham, Moses, the prophets—recapping God’s promises and Israel’s rebellion. Then he lands the punch: “You’re just like them, rejecting Jesus, the Righteous One!”
Acts 7:51-53 (CSB)
“You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit… Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.”
As they say, “He went from preaching to meddling.” They didn’t like it:
“They were enraged and gnashed their teeth at him… They yelled… rushed against him… dragged him out… and began to stone him.”
Wow! Stephen, the first martyr, gave his life for this. He wasn’t trying to rile them up but to call them to repent. Instead, they killed the messenger. Countless since have died for speaking God’s truth boldly.
I wonder—when God’s Word hits us, are we truly listening, or do we push back, defending ourselves instead of facing the truth? Are we like those leaders, silencing the messenger to avoid the reality that we may need to own our sins and repent of what we are doing?
And if we preach, are we Spirit-filled, clinging to Scripture, ready to share it faithfully—even when it’s tough? Not bullying from a soapbox, but standing for God’s clear truth, teaching it boldly, even when it’s rejected. Father, soften our hearts to hear You and give us courage to speak Your Word, whatever the cost.
