“Full of Faith and Holy Spirit”

STEPHEN was just an imperfect man. Yet when he faced a terrible danger, the Bible describes him this way: “His face was like an angel’s face.” He was calm, serene​—even though he was about to testify before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. That was the same court that had ordered Jesus’ execution some months earlier. How could a man in such danger look so calm? The answer has to do with courage.

The Bible says that Stephen was “full of faith and holy spirit.” The apostles in Jerusalem entrusted him to care for practical needs within the congregation. One day, Stephen found himself before a group of fanatical opposers. He spoke with such power that they were unable to refute him. Frustrated, they accused him before the Sanhedrin. Thus, Stephen found himself on trial for his life.

Stephen may have known of the promise Jesus made to his followers who would face such situations: “Do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is.” (Mark 13:11) Such a promise surely bolstered Stephen’s courage. And with the help of Jehovah’s spirit, he looked as serene as an angel when he stood before the Sanhedrin.

The court consisted of 71 members, all of them prominent, learned leaders of Judaism. Those present were seated in three rows arranged in a semicircle in an imposing hall, with two scribes writing everything down. Stephen stood charged with speaking against the Law of Moses and the temple​—crimes punishable by death. Caiaphas, the high priest, directed Stephen to respond.

Stephen spoke. He outlined the history of God’s dealings with His people, starting with Abraham. He also discussed Joseph, who had been persecuted by his brothers, the patriarchs of Israel. Stephen spoke respectfully about Moses, pointing out that the nation had resisted his direction. Under inspiration, he even included details about Moses that were not included in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Stephen’s speech demonstrated his great respect for the Law and for the tabernacle and for the temple that Jehovah had put in place for pure worship. At the same time, though, he showed that God’s people had repeatedly rebelled against the representatives that Jehovah had sent to them.

Stephen surely saw that he would receive no mercy from these hardhearted men. Fittingly, Jehovah’s spirit emboldened him to conclude with a message of judgment. He denounced them as “obstinate men,” who were “always resisting the holy spirit,” just as their forefathers had done. Worst of all, they had executed the one whom Moses had foretold would come, a prophet greater than himself. Stephen said that they had become “betrayers and murderers” of that righteous one​—Jesus, the Messiah.

The Sanhedrin members were so infuriated that they “began to grind their teeth” at Stephen. But Jehovah gave him an encouraging vision. Stephen described it: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” With those words, the Sanhedrin erupted in anger and violence! Why? Stephen’s words were likely familiar to them. When Jesus Christ was tried some months earlier, he had foretold: “You will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power.” (Matt. 26:64) Stephen was revealing that those words were fulfilled. Jesus was now standing at Jehovah’s side!

Enraged, they mobbed Stephen, threw him outside the city, and stoned him. Stephen, perhaps still seeing Jesus in vision, asked his Lord to receive his spirit. Then he asked one last thing of Jehovah: “Do not charge this sin against them.” Stephen went to sleep in death, victorious, the first Christian martyr. But one young man there who approved of this murder could not forget Stephen’s last words. We will discuss him further in Chapters 50, 51, and 53.

Read the Bible account:

• Acts 6:5–8:2

For discussion:

In what ways did Stephen show courage?

Dig Deeper

1. 1. Why did the apostles choose Stephen and other men “full of spirit and wisdom” to administer the distribution of food? (Acts 6:3-5; bt 41-42 ¶17-18) A

   Your answer

   

2. 2. What unique information about Moses is contained in Stephen’s speech? (bt 48 ¶13, ftn.)

   Your answer

3. 3. How could Stephen remain so calm while being persecuted? (w18.10 32)

   Your answer

4. 4. Does Acts 7:59 indicate that Stephen prayed to Jesus? (w05 1/1 31)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• Stephen was “full of faith and holy spirit” and “of divine favor and power.” Yet, he willingly agreed to distribute food. (Acts 6:2, 5, 8) How can brothers who are talented or who shoulder heavy responsibilities imitate Stephen? B

  Your answer

  

• Stephen prayed for his persecutors. How might we show love for those who oppose and persecute us today? (Matt. 5:44-48)

  Your answer

• In what ways might you imitate the courage of Stephen in your life?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• Why are you thankful that Stephen was chosen to rule with Christ in heaven?

  Your answer

Learn More

Examine ways we can defend our faith respectfully yet boldly, as Stephen did.

“Stephen​—‘Full of Divine Favor and Power’” (bt 47-50 ¶9-19)

When Jehovah’s people are persecuted today, how can they be as courageous as Stephen was?

Showing Courage Despite Persecution (6:27)