Acts 6: 8-7: 60, Speaker - Dale.

Summary

This sermon explores the life and martyrdom of Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr. It highlights his Christlike character, exemplified in his forgiveness and steadfast faith even in the face of violent persecution. Stephen’s death sparks a wave of persecution that leads to the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' mission to reach the ends of the earth. The sermon also emphasizes the global reality of Christian persecution today, urging believers to stand in solidarity with the persecuted church. Ultimately, it showcases God's sovereignty in using rejection and suffering to advance His kingdom.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stephen exemplifies Christlike character in his life and death, showing humility, wisdom, faith, and grace as the Holy Spirit works in him.
• 😀 Persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian faith, and Stephen’s martyrdom serves as a model for responding with Christ-like grace.
• 😀 The rejection and violence against Stephen led to the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, advancing the mission of the early church.
• 😀 Despite the tragic nature of Stephen's death, God’s sovereignty is evident in using even the worst of human actions to fulfill His divine purposes.
• 😀 The martyrdom of Stephen is a key moment in God’s plan, catalyzing the global missionary movement, as seen in the early church's spread to Samaria and beyond.
• 😀 Christians are called to stand firm in faith, especially when facing opposition, following the example set by Stephen in enduring persecution without bitterness.
• 😀 The rejection of the gospel often serves as a vehicle for the advancement of the gospel, as God can use even persecution to push forward His kingdom.
• 😀 The global significance of Stephen’s death emphasizes how God's will is accomplished even through human rebellion and suffering.
• 😀 The early church’s prayer in Acts 4 highlights the belief in God’s sovereignty, acknowledging that even the rulers and authorities who opposed Jesus were fulfilling God’s predetermined plan.
• 😀 The statement 'the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church' reflects how persecution, though horrific, ultimately strengthens and spreads the Christian faith.

Q & A

What was the significance of Stephen's martyrdom in the early church?

Stephen's martyrdom marked the beginning of widespread persecution against Christians, which led to the scattering of believers beyond Jerusalem. This played a crucial role in the global spread of the gospel, fulfilling Jesus' command to take the message to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

How did Stephen exhibit the character of Christ during his martyrdom?

Stephen displayed Christlike qualities such as humility, grace, forgiveness, and courage. As he was stoned, he prayed for his persecutors, echoing Jesus' own words on the cross, 'Father, forgive them.' This demonstrated his deep Christlike character and willingness to follow Jesus' example even unto death.

What lesson can we learn from Stephen's response to being falsely accused?

Stephen's calm and dignified response, rather than retaliating or defending himself, teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to remain faithful in the face of unjust persecution. His example shows that, even in the most unjust circumstances, Christians should embody grace and truth.

How does persecution advance the gospel according to the script?

Persecution, as seen in Stephen's death, can serve to advance the gospel by pushing believers to spread the message beyond their comfort zones. In the case of Stephen’s martyrdom, the persecution that followed caused Christians to scatter, taking the word of God to new regions such as Samaria and beyond.

What does the statement 'the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church' mean?

This statement, coined by Tertullian in the second century, reflects the idea that the suffering and death of martyrs often leads to the growth and expansion of the Christian church. Persecution strengthens the resolve of believers and inspires others to join the faith, thus furthering God’s kingdom.

Why is Stephen’s death a pivotal moment in the book of Acts?

Stephen’s death is pivotal because it marks the beginning of widespread persecution against Christians. This event causes believers to scatter, which leads to the spread of the gospel to regions outside Jerusalem, fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave in Acts 1:8.

How does Acts 1:8 relate to the events surrounding Stephen’s martyrdom?

Acts 1:8 describes Jesus' command that His followers would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Stephen’s martyrdom and the ensuing persecution are what ultimately push the early Christians beyond Jerusalem, directly fulfilling this prophecy and starting the global spread of Christianity.

What does the script say about the nature of God's sovereignty in relation to human opposition?

The script emphasizes that even the worst human opposition, like the persecution and rejection of Christians, cannot thwart God's ultimate plans. God's sovereignty ensures that His will is accomplished, and in the case of Stephen’s death, it led to the advancement of the gospel, showing that God uses even human rebellion to fulfill His purposes.

How should Christians respond to persecution based on Stephen’s example?

Christians should respond to persecution with courage, grace, and faith, following Stephen's example. Instead of reacting with anger or fear, they should trust in God’s sovereignty, pray for their persecutors, and remain faithful to the mission of sharing the gospel.

What role did Stephen’s speech play in his martyrdom?

Stephen’s speech was a bold proclamation of the truth of the gospel, which enraged the Jewish leaders. His defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounted Israel's history and confronted the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus, directly led to his death, showing the price of standing firm in truth and righteousness.