Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
Open Your Bible
Acts 6:1-15, Exodus 34:29-30, 1 Timothy 3:8-13
BY Jen Yokel
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.
45 thoughts on "Stephen Accused of Blasphemy"
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Kristen thank you for praying and I will be praying for your mother’s friend. Brooke P thank you for praying and I will also continue to pray for you and your husband. God is able and He is faithful! Thank you Mari V for praying, and everyone who has prayed. Our appointment went well yesterday. Sky Hilton, God never ever ever ever ever gives up on us no matter what. I pray that lie and discouragement from the enemy is expunged from your life! I understand how you feel, I have felt at times unworthy of God’s love but He tells us that yes , we are unworthy, but He loves us and has redeemed us anyway! The only thing we have to do is have faith in Jesus. So thankful for His word and His kingdom and for Him!
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I haven’t participated in a “live” study since the New Testament one, just catching up on other ones I had. But when we were going through that one we were all missing Churchmouse and wondering why she hadn’t been commenting. I scrolled through a few recent days of Acts and didn’t see her comments anywhere. Did anyone ever find out if she was ok?
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I, too, wonder and pray that she is OK. She brought to much to this group. Such Godly wisdom. I always looked for her comments
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Michelle Ryan, I too am dealing with a toxic work enviroment and am making my way out as well. I totally get the comfort zone thing…it’s hard to leave it! I am praying alongside you for your new career change, that you step out of comfort and into God’s best for you; knowing that He has you all the way.
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Do what you think is right in his eyes. He only opens doors when you need him to.
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I was so encouraged by Jen Yokel’s devotional this morning and a great reminder when she says: “but our character can be our truest witness.” I really needed to hear this, this morning. I need to keep in mind that I’m the Christian at work. And when I see what really is going on around me and it doesn’t not appear right or fair I want to be able to take-a-deep-breath and remember WHO I represent.
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AG I agree and am praying with you. Kristen, praying for Jan and her family and all the other immunocompromised people who are so vulnerable now. Praying for myself to have the strength to continue setting good examples and being a good leader for my 4 and 6 year old boys.
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Praying for Jan, Kristen, above all that she would know Jesus, and His salvation also for her family. Michelle Ryan, praying His voice loud in your heart and thoughts that the others would fall to the ground beneath your feet. If you have a song God has given you play it in your head, hum it at work. Let it keep your mind on Jesus. Amen Poppy and Kristen. God loves a humble heaet that seeks after Him. Loved your prayers. May you feel the way He answers and grows your faith. I heard a great sermon online by Michael Todd from Transformation Church, it is the 4th message in the current series called Crazier Faith and is so good speaking to Faith and the scripture on Romans 10:17 if you get a chance to watch this, they are on Youtube, it will bless you, especially if you struggle with watching too much tv or listening to things that do not bless your mind, heart or soul. Stephen’s shining face and strong character because His faith was in Jesus and the Holy Spirit was directing him. He was listening to the Lord’s direction. Realized that God is teaching me so much, so that I can hear His voice over the noise, and yes, over my sometimes, more than I want to admit, critical and complaintive thoughts. Lord forgive me, and teach me your ways so that nothing stops me from listening, growing and loving like you and obeying You. God bless us each one, thank you for all the ways you will be with us this day. Shine your light through us that all may see You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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My prayer is to be a person who the public and the close to my heart recognize the living God in me. I love that Stephen was recognized this way. May we all be full of grace, faith, poower– by His Holy Spirit.
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