Full of the Holy Spirit | EN |

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God – Acts 7:55

 

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In today’s passage we continue to read about Stephen’s final sermon which was given before the religious leaders (Sanhedrin). Maybe Paul was listening to this sermon too.  This sermon makes up one of the longest chapters in the book of Acts and it ends with Stephen's death. In Acts we read about the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem and Stephen’s words emphasize how Christianity changed from being a strictly Jewish religion to being a Gentile, international faith.

When he was giving this sermon, did Stephen know that he was about to be stoned to death? Maybe most people will not think clearly and speak with focus and boldness when they have a death sentence lurking around the corner. Stephen had so much courage and he knew the Scriptures very well. He spoke powerfully because he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55). Hence, Stephen is an example for us to know God’s Word well, to not let fear rule our lives, to have the courage to speak the truth, bear witness of the truth, and let the Holy Spirit lead us in our words and speech.

Stephen was challenging the way of thinking that the Jewish religious leaders had on various topics. He also challenges them regarding the topic of their temple: “the Most High doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48). Stephen is pointing out that the key issue is not the place where they worshiped, but instead having their hearts pure before God. As the apostle Paul writes: "our bodies are the temple of the living God" (1 Cor 6:19). As Christians’ bodies are God’s temple, we should use our bodies to glorify God and to witness about what He has done for us.

Various topics in the New Testament would be difficult to understand without the book of Acts because it provides a vital link between the Gospels and the 21 Epistles. In the book of Acts we see the acts of God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit in the Apostles. 

The book of Acts is also a missionary manual for Christians. Let’s keep our focus on our Lord Jesus like Stephen did, and allow the Holy Spirit to give us courage and strength to bear witness of our faith and the truth.

Reflection on Acts 7:35-60 by Hanne