The longest speech in the book of Acts is in chapter 7. It is not the pleadings of a man for his life. Stephen declared his own righteousness as witnessed by Abraham, Joseph, and Moses in response to the false witnesses of the Sanhedrin. What is most notable is that Stephen took the offensive. In his boldness, he saw as faith seeks. He spoke as faith speaks. He believed as faith believed. In that boldness what other sightings of faith awaiting today’s follower of Christ?
Faith sees that which is seen. Stephen presented a plane argument before his offenders. We note that God is not restricted nor are his people restricted. The world sees God’s people as rebellious, anyway. The question came up about the temple. Of course, with that question is another question asking why be so concerned with it because it would be destroyed someday. Ours is to be preoccupied with Jesus, not stone and brick.
Faith sees that which is not seen. Stephen really had nothing to cling to, yet he believed. His faith is a contrast to most people who declare themselves believers in Christ. What we think is necessary is not really necessary at all! Only faith can give an upward view after looking around. What a contradiction and paradox occurred in the case of Stephen. At that time an angel faced a human as he fell asleep in the presence of the mob who were committing murder.
Faith sees that which should be seen. Our emphasis of faith must be on what God does and what is his design. He is greater than the great, better than the best. At the moment of Stephen’s murder, life was unfinished. He saw Jesus standing to receive him. That became a testimony for us. As a result, earthly things become insignificant. Recall that the ministry of Jesus was often supported by angels. It was a divine overshadowing for a larger plan and direction of God. The outcome was always for the eventual good of the believer. In his death, Stephen did what we should do in our lives. He glorified God. The result of what happened to Stephen was God’s decision and therefore it was right. The believing Jews disobeyed the first instruction of Jesus by not going to all parts of the world. It took the martyrdom of Stephen to motivate them
As we exercise our faith, let us do it in such a way that we see what things the world does not see. As we claim allegiance to Christ, we quite naturally do it against that which is obviously seeing. However, as we exercise our faith in Christ, ours is to see a divine direction prepared for us. God has an overshadowing of our lives for what eternal future awaits us. Faith is not merely a matter of declaring a belief. We can have many beliefs but only one involves faith in Christ. Stephen’s life was ministry to those around him. Stephen’s death declared a full purpose in reaching all the world. We must ask ourselves what is the difference between belief and faith? To grow in the Lord, it is to demonstrate a spiritual path that is loyal to what God has before us.
Christian Writer 