Stephen

Open Your Bible

Acts 6:1-15, Acts 7:1-60, Psalm 23:4

God’s people are to be filled people. Not barely-enough people or just-a-trickle people, but filled to overflowing. The apostle Stephen knows what I mean.

Perhaps your frame of reference for him is “Stephen the Martyr,” the one who died at the hands of an angry religious mob just as the Church was being birthed. I don’t dispute the facts; Stephen did, in fact, become the first Christian martyr when he was mercilessly killed for his faith. It’s Stephen’s legacy I take issue with. As I look again at the details of Stephen’s life, recorded in Acts 6–7, it’s not his death that reaches through the pages and grabs my heart. It’s his life—his filled-to-overflowing life.

Scripture records that Stephen was a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). He didn’t have a teensy measure of faith, or enough faith to get by. Stephen was full of faith, and because of his faith in Jesus, he was also full of the Holy Spirit. Fast forward a few verses and we read that Stephen was “full of grace and power” (v.8), and again, the image is more than enough.

When pressed by the religious leaders, Stephen started preaching. Boy howdy, did that boy preach! His powerful words show us that he was full of wisdom and full of the truth found in Scripture. When his opponents became enraged and moved to silence once and for all, Scripture records:

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven.
He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:55–56).

As he breathed his final breaths, Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” and asked that God would “not hold this sin against” those who’d killed him (vv.59–60). Sound familiar? If so, that’s because they echo the words Jesus uttered as He hung and died on the cross (Luke 23:46, 34). It’s as if Stephen was so filled with God’s words that they were at the very surface of his heart. When Stephen was squeezed, it was Jesus’s words that spilled out.

Oh, do not picture our brother Stephen buried and bloodied, for that is not all he was. Stephen’s heart was filled with love for his Savior because he was running over with wisdom, grace, and power. Because of Christ’s work for us and in us, we can be filled up too. Didn’t the apostle Paul urge us to “be filled with the Spirit”? (Ephesians 5:18). Doesn’t Scripture record that we can be “filled with encouragement” and “overflowing with joy [even] in all our afflictions”? (2Corinthians 7:4). Didn’t the prophet Micah proclaim that he was “filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD”? (Micah 3:8). Yes, God’s people are to be filled people.

Lord Jesus, make us more like Stephen, filled to overflowing with you.

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44 thoughts on "Stephen"

  1. Alicia McCann says:

    Oh Yes Lord!! Let me be a filled person, filled to overflowing with your spirit

  2. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I pray for more of God’s spirit, so that when I am squeezed his Spirit comes out.

  3. Susan Crosby says:

    Oh to be described like Stephen… full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…

  4. Melissa Mcronney says:

    Father in heaven, fill my with Your power of the Holy Spirit I ask in Jesus name Amen

  5. Jen Brewer says:

    Oops, sorry it sent sooner. Had my little girl by C section after pushing for an hour. So much grace and favor throughout that process. Jesus was so good! Yet now I am in the midst of sleeping 3 hours non-consecutively for the past week and trying to connect with my 2.5 year old son who is constantly pushing boundaries and feel so far from being a woman of grace and power who loves Jesus. I know you are here, Lord. Please fill me with more of you and less of me. Lifted up these prayer requests and especially thinking and praying for you, KC! ❤️

  6. Kenzie Lorene says:

    The story of Stephen is one of my very favorites. His sermon is one of the passages in the Bible I can clearly see and feel. I can feel his urgency. I can imagine him standing there surrounded and letting God and His words flow out of every pore. No sugar coating from Stephen. No mincing words. He called a spade a spade. Is there a prophet your fathers didn’t persecute? Jesus walked among you, and you killed Him. Almost as to say, what more do you all need? Look at the chances you’ve been given, what more are you looking for? There’s no counter argument given from the Sanhedrin. They don’t even form a rebuttal. They allow him to be dragged into the street and stoned. They mention Saul at the end, I wonder if he heard Stephen’s sermon and scoffed, only later to have his eyes opened (or closed more like it)
    I guess I love his sermon because he presents factual evidence that the people are bonkers. Look in scripture here, and here, and here, and here! LOOK AT IT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!! And yet, the high priests who are suppose to know everything about the law and scripture, respond with blind anger, they don’t even respond. The emperor has no clothes.
    Stephen is awesome. Stoned for his faith but also bold and brash and was given the confidence to the Lord to essentially bible slap everyone standing there who was listening. An incredible grand stand moment. Epic. Though his story is ends in his death, it ends with him going home to Jesus, which is the best ending for Stephen we could imagine.

  7. Glory Love says:

    Love this passage ! I struggle with completely giving it all to God. I mind starts racing but I’m praying for wisdom and knowledge when that happens

  8. Faith Kendrick says:

    It’s amazing that Stephen prayed for his enemies while they were killing him. I had to ask myself, do I love my enemies like that? And do I even love my neighbors like that? Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and that includes those who conspire against us. I also wanted to point out the young man Saul mentioned at the end of the reading. Saul murdered many Christians and then God changed his life and he became the apostle Paul. I’m looking forward to reading about him soon!

  9. Taylor says:

    Lord, fill me to overflowing that I may be bold and unafraid in proclaiming your life-giving news to those who need it most. Thank you Erin and everyone for your insights and comments, I wrote many down in my journal! Praying for you Dorothy and for your son and daughter-in-law for safe travels to Colorado. Praying for you Angie for healing for your foot and your car. Praying for a safe labor and delivery KC!

  10. Audrey Flores says:

    Wow… gives me a lot to think about

  11. Dorothy says:

    I knew of the way Stephen died and that he was one of the apostles but I never knew his whole story until today. This study has been so enlightening. Stephen saw God and Christ wow. He gave a shortened version of the linage of Christ to the Jewish higher ups. Erin makes a point at the end of the devotion of what we should remember about Stephen, “Oh, do not picture our brother Stephen buried and bloodied, for that is not all he was. Stephen’s heart was filled with love for his Savior because he was running over with wisdom, grace, and power. Because of Christ’s work for us and in us, we can be filled up too.”
    Sisters, please pray for me and my son and daughter-in-law. My son and daughter-in-law are going to be traveling by car to Colorado and I just keep having these terrible thoughts that something awful is going to happen to them. I think it comes from my niece dying in a car accident recently and then my car accident right after that. Pray that their trip is safe and that these thoughts go away.

  12. Ashley P. says:

    Oh, I needed this today! Lately, I feel I’ve been more “full of tears” and “full of anxiety” than “full of grace and power.” I’m an elementary teacher and last week we were told we have to go into our classrooms and remove all of our personal belongings in the next 2 weeks, and that all furniture will be removed other than student desks spaced 6ft apart and a teacher table. I won’t even have bookshelves or a filling cabinet. My heart has been so heavy ever since hearing that. I can’t imagine teaching 7-year-olds in an empty room with only desks. I’ve been going back and forth between heartbreak, anger, and anxiety. I’ve also been struggling emotionally because I really just want to talk and cry with and hug someone who understands but I haven’t had that opportunity. Even so, God is gracious and compassionate, and He is who I have been clinging to and crying out to. I’d be so lost without Him. Now I’m going to add to my prayers that He would fill me up with grace and power, that I would be filled with Him instead of discouragement and anxiety.

    1. Liz A says:

      Ashley I am a teacher as well and I’m right there with you! Sending you a virtual hug of understanding

    2. Becky Kuiper says:

      I pray for great blessings this school year for you and the students! I pray for God’s favor on all teachers and students that this would be a very good school year.

  13. Angie says:

    Robert Wheeler, from HRT today states, “The circumstances that bring great joy to us or cause the deepest sense of shame can be found in our perception of what constitutes the good life, and how our own life story is aligning with that perception.”

    That statement really struck me.

    The people who stoned Stephen saw him and his message as a threat to their perceived good life.

    Stephen’s concept of a good life was serving God and presenting the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. To be martyred while standing firm for Jesus was not shameful, it was a victorious end for his faithful journey. He got to see Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. The doorway was open and he was going home in the full view of his Savior.

    I needed the statement by Robert Wheeler today. I have been a little emotional. A wrecked car and fractured foot, while both temporary inconveniences, the details in those inconveniences and discomforts can leave me very tired and negative if I am not careful. My perceived “good life” is being messed with. But what should constitute my “good life?” Ease? Convenience? I fear as I get older, those things have crept in more strongly. Instead I need to find my “good life” like Stephen, in God alone. Love God. Load up and Live His Word. Love people. His blessings are all around. Open my eyes Lord. Empty my heart of everything except Your will. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for your love. Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ who like Stephen find their “good life” in You alone.

  14. PamC says:

    Erin, thank you for this life affirming post and better view of Stephen’s legacy…Stephen the Faithful.

  15. Diana Fleenor says:

    ERIKA KIRPAL: I like what you said about his position in society. I imagine you did bring the light of Christ to the children in your most needed position as lunch lady!

    KC: My prayer is for the Lord’s presence and power be made most evident to you as you go through labor and delivery!

  16. Diana Fleenor says:

    I’m glad that Erin pointed out the Stephen’s legacy is “more” than his martyrdom. With a both/and mindset, I would say we need to embrace both his life and his death because both reflect a life fully devoted and filled with Christ. Maybe we could call him “The Faithful Martyr”? Like Paul said, “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). Our life and our death as Christians is to honor Christ. That is my prayer for all of us today, my sisters!

  17. Angie says:

    Lindsay C., I saw your post from yesterday. There is a blessed sisterhood in the family of Christ. I remember during my time in Bible Study Fellowship, as a young mom, there was a beautiful confirmation when the Holy Spirit guided us in unity toward the same thoughts. (As you noticed He has done for us at times.) While I think you called my words eloquent, I smile because I look at the concise way you, and others, are able to share your thoughts and I think how I would like to be less wordy and more specifically eloquent. Isn’t that funny!
    At the same time I enjoy and am affirmed by the Holy Spirit’s guiding me in unity with other sisters, I equally enjoy the new thoughts and ideas shared by those with different insights, still guided by the Holy Spirit, but for where they are in their lives at that time. God created individuals and blends us into a community of believers. Like a beautiful bouquet of various flowers in varied colors, the similarities and mix of our spirits and His guidance is fragrant, eye-catching, even breath-taking when used for His glory.

  18. Lindsay C. says:

    I am encouraged today because the same Spirit who lived in Stephen lives also in me. May I be so rooted in His word that I am as bold a witness.

  19. KC S says:

    The way Stephen was able to preach before he was stoned is something I often forgot about. What a witness to God Stephen was.

    I have a prayer request as well, today is my due date with my first baby and I would appreciate prayers for a smooth, healthy, fear/anxiety free labor and delivery. ❤️

  20. Ashley White says:

    Yes, amen. I definitely need to be filled with the Spirit and Faith in Christ. It’s something I’m working on day by day and I’m getting better.

  21. Erin Davis says:

    Hey, E. (My very best friends call me “E” so I love that that is your name/handle.

    Yes, I meant “take issue.” History records Stephen as “Stephen the Martyr.” That should not be his legacy. He was a man filled with the Spirit, faithful to His Savior, and filled with conviction and compassion. I’d love for us to rebrand him as Stephen the Faithful.

    Rooting for you!

    e

  22. Meredith Ashley says:

    Erika K. – what beautiful insights! “God can use anyone, anywhere for His glory.” Amen!

    E… – I think the “legacy” that Erin Davis “takes issue” with is the version that remembers Stephen only for his death, without acknowledging the glory of Christ in his life. From what I understand from today’s devotional, Erin is calling readers to understand the fullness of Stephen’s true legacy, not just the short version of it that focuses on his death alone. That’s my take, anyway! Hope it helps!

  23. Kathy Mullis says:

    “When he was squeezed, Jesus’ words spilled out.” Lord may that be my legacy.

  24. Erika Kirpal says:

    Did anyone notice his position in society? He was the lunch lady. He and his fellow workers were chosen to help distribute the food. While he distributed the daily bread he offered these people the bread of life. May we never take our position in society for granted. God has us placed exactly where we are for a reason and purpose.
    I myself was a lunch lady for several years and never thought of my position with much importance, but oh I pray that God used me as I served those kids in the cafeteria! God can use anyone, anywhere for His glory. And boy was Stephen a good example of a humble life lived in the power of the Spirit.

    1. Christine Smith says:

      Love this perspective

  25. Cynthia Ramain says:

    I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Stephen. I originally was so upset by the way he died, but now understand he was too good for this earth and his early escape to Heaven from the evil on this earth was well deserved through his tireless ministry. Which brings me to wonder if ‘Stephen the Martyr’ is who the Stephens Ministries is named after? God, make me to be more like Stephen….unafraid to spread the good news of Your eternal kingdom, all while overflowing with constant faith and forgiveness, even in the eyes of death. In Jesus name I pray….

  26. NanaK says:

    Ladies, you’ve shared such tremendous truths to hold onto today! Thank you
    Erin, your statement is absolutely one to reflect upon and I’ll add Churchmouse‘s insight to it:
    “When Stephen was squeezed, it was JESUS words that spilled out…and…”It is more likely I will have JESUS’ words on my lips at the time of my death if I have His words on my lips every day leading up to it.”
    Have a Jesus-filled day Sisters!

  27. Carol Brooks says:

    Stephen shows that we are a stubborn people who continue to ignore the lessons of history as recorded in scripture. I thank God that He is a merciful God who loves us in spite of ourselves..

  28. E... says:

    To “take issue with” his legacy means “to disagree with” his legacy. I don’t think this is what you meant?

  29. Chinwe says:

    The Life of Stephen made as much sense as the death of Stephen.

  30. Angela Sutherland says:

    I can’t get past that when Stephen gazed into Heaven, he saw Jesus standing, not sitting, at the right hand of the Father. There’s something about that image that brings a sense of honour to the whole scene. Jesus was invested in what was taking place…he was standing, ready to receive his faithful servant. He was standing with Stephen in his “darkest” hour. We may not get to gaze into Heaven, but we can be sure that if we are living filled by the Spirit, when the pressure comes against us, Jesus will stand with us, too. I loved the line “When Stephen was squeezed, it was Jesus’s words spilled out.”

    1. Brittnie Blackburn says:

      Love that insight Angela!!

    2. Alicia Gilbert says:

      This is so beautiful. Thank you, Angela! Your words reminded me of the Psalm cited – Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For You are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. – I pictured an actual valley.. usually the shadows come from the mountains. In this imagery, death is the mountain, and it seems large and looming. But Jesus is there actively standing there or walking with me through it. His rod and staff show that Jesus is not a passive spectator. He is the Son of God, and He has defeated death and rules over it!

    3. Jane K says:

      Yes, Jesus stands next to His Father God as Stephen suffers in faithfulness! Thank you for pointing this out.

  31. Emily Castañeda says:

    “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:14-21‬

  32. Churchmouse says:

    It is more likely that I will have Jesus’words on my lips at the time of my death if I have His words on my lips every day leading up to that one.

    1. Kimme Bartlett says:

      Amen:)

  33. Rebekah C says:

    That is my prayer, that I be so filled…

  34. Kristen says:

    And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Wow! That is a beautiful picture of what he looked like being filled with the Spirit. This verse stood out to me and gave me pause.

  35. Tina says:

    Oh by Gods grace, and Jesus in-filling, sacrifice, love and hope, may I walk, talk and be like Stephen.. may I exhibit the truth of Christ in me.. may I, when faced with opposition, remember the Word that lives in my heart Lord, may I be overflowing with You…

    Thank you Jesus..

    Amen.

    Happy Tuesday sisters! Scatter joy.. this wet, yet God given day❤

  36. Blessed Beth says:

    Amen Dana I read those words and said “Oh WOW”, how powerful they will stay with me all day and a lot longer, they are going on my prayer wall.

  37. Dana says:

    “When Stephen was squeezed, it was Jesus’s words that spilled out.”

    Oh that I may be so filled!