Acts 6:8‐15

Acts 6:8‐15 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?



     Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ 12They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ 15And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.


Reflect
Stephen is described as being full of grace and power. Would anyone describe you this way?


What great wonders and signs might God want to do through you?


Have you ever been a false witness or instigated others to do this? Has anyone ever brought a false testimony against you?


Respond


Take steps to correct any past actions you’ve taken (e.g., false witness or instigation) or forgive those who have falsely accused you. Do this with grace and power.


Pray for those who are facing tough opposition or persecution because of their faith—that the power and grace of the Spirit might shine brightly.