What makes a leader good? I ask myself this question all the time, because leaders with integrity are sadly hard to find. We see power in the hands of the charismatic and connected, wielded by the ones who can command a room and summon a following. But who are the real leaders in Jesus’s upside-down kingdom? We can learn so much from the first generation of Jesus followers, and today we’re getting to know an early church leader named Stephen.
Throughout Church history, Stephen is considered the first martyr. Acts 6 gives us a glimpse into his life and character. He’s the first name on the list of seven men who were chosen to care for the Jewish and Greek widows in the community. Think of these seven as the original deacons, if that’s part of your church tradition. These seven were chosen not for their charisma, education, or commanding presence, but for their “good reputation” as men who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3).
In fact, you may have noticed words like “Spirit” and “wisdom” are used over and over to describe him in this short passage. He’s “full of faith and the Holy Spirit…grace and power,” and he quickly becomes known for “performing great wonders and signs among the people” through a power beyond his own ability (vv.5,8). Stephen beautifully fits Paul’s later portrait of a deacon: “worthy of respect, not hypocritical,” tested and proven “blameless” (1Timothy 3:8–10).
In his service, Stephen led. In his integrity, he became a reflection of God’s glory, like Moses whose face shone after he spent time in the presence of God (Exodus 34:29–30).
So again, what makes a leader good? The kind of integrity that comes from the Holy Spirit and time seeking God. It’s a commitment to following the way of Jesus so strong it cannot be shouted down, a faithfulness that bears up under accusation, that’s tested and proven worthy of respect—especially when the respect is questioned by the powerful.
For Stephen, that meant holding steady under the weight of judgement and lies. We’re told that his commitment to truth-telling offended a certain group of religious leaders, but “they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking” (Acts 6:10). The only way they could even build a case against him was through lies and rumors. Of course, we have to seek wisdom and discernment when challenges come, but our character can be our truest witness.
There are so many competing stories about how to lead and serve well in this world, but in Stephen’s life, we see how following Jesus and seeking the Spirit’s wisdom can give us the humility, courage, and faithfulness we need to find our way.
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45 thoughts on "Stephen Accused of Blasphemy"
Leaders should have integrity and be strong in faith. Lord I am praying for leaders like this doe our world today. To lead us back to you and your ways.
So agree with “we need to seek wisdom and discernment when challenges come, but our character can be our truest witness.”
1 Peter 2:12; 3:14-17!
Lord may I be representing YOU in every moment.
Everyone, I know I recently asked for prayers, but my mom asked me to get others to pray for her friend, Jan. Jan is a heart transplant recipient. She had the transplant within approximately the last 5-8 years ago.( I don’t know the exact year.) For a couple of months now, she hadn’t been able to eat much and had lost weight. She was very weak yesterday and he daughter took her to tbe ER. She had Covid and has been admitted. I don’t think she or her family is saved We appreciate your prayers.
@Grammie Sue praying for you to feel better soon and for You to encounter Him and His Presence and have joy , hope, and peace! @ Victoria E! Praise God! May He give you joy and peace and protect the baby as h or she is growing! @ Sky! I can relate. May you be overwhelmed by His Presence, Truth, and love and find assurance and freedom. God bless you! Have a great day, everyone!
Yes, Poopy! Yes, there is change when we encounter God”s Presence and Spirit. I want this and I ask Him to change me in ways that are visible and invisible to others. I’m sorry to say that I’ve read and heard God’s Word for a while now I was told that I know His Word, but not Him. I’ve still been tormented in my thoughts and many of my ways towards my family weren’t showing that I’m changed by Him. I still get angry and resentful. I’ve doubted if I was even His. Thankfully, Ive had some breakthroughs lately! Praise God! God, please forgive me and help me to see You rightly and truly be changed by Your Word and Spirit. May I lead others to You and not away. Please help me to know what is true and how to live, speak, and move in ways that please You. I can’t do this on my own and without You. Amen!
(Continue)… develop me into a steadfast faithful follower to the end, whatever the cost. Today I chose the way of love, the way of God in the big and in the small. Show me your paths Lord, when we encounter your presence and spirit we change invisibly and visibly, fill me afresh so I am both visibly and invisibly changed.
(Continue)… develop me into a steadfast faithful follower to the end, whatever the cost. Today I chose the way of love, the way of God in the big and in the small. Show me your paths Lord, when we encounter your presence and spirit we change invisibly and visibly, fill
(Continue)… develop me into a steadfast faithful follower to the end, whatever the cost. Today I chose the way of love, the way of God in the big and in the small. Show me your paths Lord,
Stephens wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. He clung onto and sought Gods face in the face of opposition. The Holy Spirit and Stephen’s obedience to it made all the difference. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to have the wisdom that comes from God. Discipline and develop