Today's passage is an early demonstration of one of Christ Jesus' prophecies coming to pass. On numerous occasions, Jesus forewarned His disciples that following Him would include suffering and death [e.g. Matthew 24.9, John 15.18-20]. As is often the case when we have a time of being close to God, and feeling Him building us up, it is followed by a harder time. This pattern was true for Jesus (high of baptism, low of temptation while fasting; high of triumphant entry, low of betrayal, torture and death), was true for His disciples (e.g. Peter standing up and fighting for Jesus against a group of men, followed by low of cowering at the accusations of a servant girl and denying he was with Jesus), and remains true for us even today. God prepares us for the challenges that will come by first pouring into us. As we read yesterday, Stephen had been living a life that caused him to stand out as a Christ-follower, to the extent that his fellow Christians volunteered him to support the apostles as part of a new cadre of servant-leaders. Today, we'll see this honor initially led to an even more active spiritual life, but also led into the reality that Jesus indicated: His followers would suffer and die because of Him.

It can be easy to misunderstand the purpose of these verses. They are not meant to cause us to fear following Jesus. Rather, we should be encouraged because, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5.10-12, people who suffer for His sake are blessed, will be greatly rewarded, and are like Old Testament prophets. It wouldn't surprise me if these words of Jesus were in Stephen's heart as the Spirit gave him a message to share with those who turned, not against him alone, but against God. We'll get to hear that word coming up, but for now, take heart knowing that God is working this together for good and for His glory. May the word of God challenge, strengthen, and encourage us to strive to be more Christ-like day by day, even knowing it will result in our suffering and possibly death because of it--if we are so blessed.

[Acts 6.8-14]

6.8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What work was the Holy Spirit doing through Stephen directly after being appointed as a servant-leader? [vv. 5 and 8]

+ What was the reaction of many people? [vv. 9-11]

+ Who believed their lies? [v. 12]

+ What lies were told of Stephen? [vv. 11, 13-14]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have you suffered for following Christ (following His teachings, sharing the good news, etc.)? If so, take heart--you're in good company. If not, don't be surprised when it happens, but be prepared [see I Peter 4.12-14].

+ If people were seeking to call you out for sin, would they have lots to choose from, or would they be forced to make up lies because you were otherwise above reproach? Strive to be the latter.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Is there a brother or sister you're walking with who follows Jesus closely and suffers for it? Comfort them with words from Jesus, Peter, and others, and let them know they are not alone.

+ Are you walking with people new to Christianity or not yet believers? Ensure you don't set them up for failure by saying Christianity will lead to a life of wealth and ease. Be honest, just as Jesus was with us, that this life will challenge us, but there will be great reward for standing firm.