The story of Stephen is heart rending. He was a man of “good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” and also “a man full of faith.” He obviously loved the Lord and His Church.
He is chosen and ordained to assist the apostles in the work of the fledgling congregation in Jerusalem. We learn that “the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.” No doubt Stephen had his hands full with this growing assembly and was extremely dedicated to the work given to him by the Church. In fact, Luke reports, “Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.”
Without knowing the end of the story, it would be easy to assume that Stephen was destined for a long and productive ministry. He was set to go from success to success. After all, isn’t that what we’ve been told? If you are doing the Lord’s work, God will bless you with success and prosperity!
Indeed he is granted success but not the kind the world would recognize. He is given the opportunity to preach to the assembled enemies of Christ and His Church. Just as Peter had done on the Day of Pentecost, Stephen is able to preach the full severity of the Law of God to these unbelievers. On Pentecost the people repented and 3000 were baptized. Not so on this day. Rather than repentance the Bible records: “Now when they heard these things they were enraged.”
Which of these two were more faithful? Peter or Stephen? In our modern culture of demographic success many in our churches would say Peter because as a result of his preaching thousands were converted. The story of Stephen shows the folly of this thinking. By the working of the Holy Spirit both Peter and Stephen are faithful. They both bring the same message. Yet in God’s infinite wisdom the outcome is different for each. Peter goes on to have many more years of ministry and Stephen’s life comes to an end with a gruesome stoning and his martyrdom.
In the church and in life, it is easy to become discouraged and believe that the success of Peter’s preaching on Pentecost is awaiting every congregation if they just had the right preacher. The short and poignant ministry of Stephen shows that growth is in God’s hands and that faithfulness is required not worldly success.
None of us knows what God has planned for us. For most it is somewhere between Peter and Stephen. May we never grow wearing in pointing to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection until the day when we too see “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” as Stephen did.
Prayer: O Lord Jesus, thank you for Peter and Stephen and all who are faithful in proclaiming your holy word. Grant that I will be faithful unto death and so receive the crown of life. Amen.
The Stoning of St Stephen
Rembrandt — 1625
oil on panel (90 × 124 cm)
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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