STEPHEN: The Marks of a Martyr

Firstly, it may require us to stand against error (Acts 6:12 – 7:1) ‘ So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”  All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Then the high priest asked him, “Are these charges true?”’ As it was for Stephen so it must be for us as Christians to stand against error; yes, even in the Church today.

The second mark of a martyr is one who is willing to defend his faith to the death. This is the most obvious meaning of the word martyr. Stephen was not only willing to live for Christ but, when necessary, he was willing to die for Christ. And Stephen was willing to defend his faith, in the face of their persecution. Luke tells us; “they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (Acts 6:10) Therefore, the second mark of a martyr is our willingness to share the faith, no matter what the cost – and in some places with our own lives.

The third mark of a martyr is that we must have a forgiving spirit. Look at Stephen (Acts 7:30) “And falling on his knees, he cried out- “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” And having said this, he fell asleep.”

Stephen lived his last hours as Christ would, and did. He died a martyr’s death as Christ did, He stood tall through the matchless grace of God.

A Question for all of us - Do we have the marks of a martyr?  Have you died to Christ? 

Have you given Him your life?  Are you willing to forgive rejection, ridicule and persecution?

These were the marks that set Stephen apart. May it be so in each of our lives: may we too receive the welcome of the King, “‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matt 25:34)