Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God’s grace was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose from some who belonged to the so-called Synagogue of Former Slaves. Members from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia entered into debate with Stephen. However, they couldn’t resist the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Then they secretly enticed some people to claim, “We heard him insult Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the legal experts. They caught Stephen, dragged him away, and brought him before the Jerusalem Council. Before the council, they presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law. In fact, we heard him say that this man Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and alter the customary practices Moses gave us.” Everyone seated in the council stared at Stephen, and they saw that his face was radiant, just like an angel’s. (Acts 6:8-15, CEB)
This is the start of the time Stephen had to defend himself by stating all the things in the scripture that point to Christ.
It is interesting that the people who were listening and those who couldn’t resist the wisdom he spoke with from the Holy Spirit, stirred up people secretly to spread false claims about Stephen.
But God knows and will always be with you. SO when people around you spread false claims just give God the space to be with you and to show who is in the way of God’s love being spread.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 