2. A load of trouble
• Opposition to the gospel is inevitable
• “Consider him who endured such opposition
from sinful men” (Hebrews 12:3)
• “If we are being called to account today for an
act of kindness shown to a cripple” (Acts 4:9)
• Stephen was falsely accused (Acts 6:13)
3. A load of trouble
• The charges have been heard before (Acts
6:13, Matthew 26:61)
• “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life
in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy
3:12)
4. A love of scripture
• There can be no doubt that Stephen was full
of the Spirit (Acts 6:3, 5, 10; 7:55)
• His speech was full of scripture
• When the Spirit descends, the word is
proclaimed (Acts 2; 9:20-22)
• It is never a choice between scripture and the
Spirit
5. A love of scripture
• We need the word to show us how to be led
by the Spirit
• We need the Spirit to understand the word
• Those who opposed him were unable to resist
(Acts 6:10; 7:57)
6. A life of grace
• Stephen was full of grace (Acts 6:8)
• Standing with Jesus
• Cheap grace isn’t grace at all
• When focused on Jesus, grace is the only
option
• "The Church owes Paul to the prayer of
Stephen" (Augustine)
7. A lasting legacy
• A wasted life?
• Stephen had a huge effect on Paul
• “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on
earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where
thieves break in and steal. But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth
and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do
not break in and steal. For where your treasure
is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew
6:19-21)
• Where is your legacy?
