The Stephen Style

Today’s devotion is taken from Jesus, Day by Day

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Acts 5:17-7:60

Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life. Acts 5:20

Despite persecution, ridicule, and even execution, the disciples continued to share the good news of Jesus Christ. One such example was Stephen, whom the Bible tells us was full of faith and power in the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5, 8). Being falsely accused, Stephen was seized and brought before the Jewish council. There he delivered the longest recorded sermon in the book of Acts. This glorious message would be Stephen’s last words as he became the first martyr of the early church.

One thing that should stand out to us is how much Scripture Stephen quoted. Virtually his entire sermon was made up of Old Testament references, and when he was not quoting Scripture, he was giving a summation of it. Oh, that more pastors would consider adopting the Stephen style! Nothing can replace the power of speaking directly from God’s Word.

Stephen began with Abraham, their father, and walked these Jewish rulers though their history, a history they knew well. They were proud of their heritage but failed to recognize the fulfillment of its purpose in the righteous one, Jesus Christ. This was the culmination of Stephen’s message.

Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered. (7:52, ESV)

As you read through Stephen’s sermon, be encouraged! You’re adopting the Stephen style and learning to see Jesus, the purpose of all the Scriptures. Consider the cost Stephen was willing to pay to follow Christ and speak the truth: it cost him his very life. But in the end he looked up and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing in heaven (v. 55–57). What a prize!