I write about Stuff

“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” —Acts 6:8 NLT

In the months after Jesus ascended into Heaven, the early church exploded with life. The resurrection had ignited a fire in His followers, and they carried the Good News everywhere they went. Thousands believed. Lives were transformed. A new kind of community began to take shape—one marked by unity, generosity, and sacrificial love. Believers shared their possessions freely, ensuring that no one among them lacked what they needed. It was a glimpse of God’s kingdom breaking into ordinary life.

But growth brought challenges. As the number of disciples multiplied, tensions surfaced. Greek-speaking believers felt their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, already stretched thin, recognized that they could not meet every need themselves. So they appointed seven men—respected, wise, and full of the Holy Spirit—to oversee the practical ministries of the church.

At the top of that list was Stephen.

Stephen wasn’t just a capable administrator. Scripture describes him as a man overflowing with faith, grace, and spiritual power. God worked through him in remarkable ways, and his bold witness drew attention—both positive and hostile. When a group of Jewish men attempted to debate him, they quickly discovered they were no match for the Spirit’s wisdom speaking through him. Unable to win the argument, they resorted to lies, stirring up accusations that Stephen had spoken against the temple and the law.

Dragged before the high council—the same council that had condemned Jesus—Stephen stood firm. Instead of defending himself, he delivered one of the most sweeping, powerful sermons in the entire Bible. He traced Israel’s story from Abraham to Moses to the prophets, showing how God had been faithful at every turn and how the people had repeatedly resisted His messengers. Then Stephen made the boldest connection of all: just as their ancestors had rejected God’s servants, the current leaders had rejected—and killed—the Messiah Himself.

His words cut deep. Enraged, the council members rushed at him, dragged him outside the city, and stoned him. Stephen became the first recorded Christian martyr—faithful to Christ even unto death. As he died, he echoed the heart of his Savior, praying for God to forgive his killers.

Stephen’s story is sobering, but it is also profoundly inspiring. Most believers will never face martyrdom, yet every follower of Jesus is called to a life of sacrifice. Faithfulness often requires laying down our comfort, our preferences, our pride, our plans, and sometimes even our relationships. Sacrifice is not a punishment—it is the pathway to deeper trust, deeper obedience, and deeper intimacy with Christ. Stephen shows us what it looks like to hold nothing back.

Reflection: Why is sacrifice such an essential part of walking with Christ—and what might it look like in your life today?