Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Church, was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He was chosen to serve the growing community of believers, ensuring that the needs of widows and the vulnerable were met (Acts 6:1-7). But Stephen was not just a servant—he was a preacher. He boldly proclaimed the Gospel, demonstrating through Scripture how Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan.

His message was powerful, but not everyone wanted to hear it. The religious leaders accused him of blasphemy, dragged him before the Sanhedrin, and put him on trial. Instead of defending himself, Stephen used the opportunity to deliver a sermon, walking his listeners through Israel’s history and showing how they had repeatedly resisted God’s messengers. He then made the connection unmistakable: Just as their ancestors had rejected the prophets, they had now rejected and killed the Messiah Himself.

His words cut deep, but instead of repenting, the crowd became furious. They didn’t just reject his message—they wanted to silence him permanently.

Why Was Jesus Standing?

In his final moments, Stephen looked up and saw something extraordinary: “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:56).

This is significant because, throughout Scripture, Jesus is almost always described as seated at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 1:3). Being seated symbolizes His authority, His completed work of salvation, and His reign over creation. But here, Jesus is standing.

Why? There are two compelling possibilities:

1. A Welcoming Savior - Many believe Jesus stood to welcome Stephen into eternity. Stephen was about to become the first martyr of the Christian faith, and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was ready to receive him. This is a beautiful image of Christ personally honoring those who remain faithful to Him.
2. A Warning of Judgment - In biblical culture, when a king stood, it was often a sign of judgment. Jesus, the Judge of all the earth (John 5:22), was standing against those who rejected Him. This moment foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon those who persist in resisting God’s truth.

For believers, this scene is a picture of Christ’s love and faithfulness. For those who oppose Him, it’s a warning that rejection of the Gospel comes at a cost.

The Weight of Rejection: Christ Stands Against the Unrepentant

The response of the religious leaders to Stephen’s vision is telling. Instead of being humbled by what he saw, they covered their ears, yelled at the top of their voices, and rushed at him (Acts 7:57). They refused to hear the truth and violently rejected it.

They dragged him outside the city and began to stone him—a brutal and agonizing form of execution. Yet, even in this horrific moment, Stephen reflected Jesus in two key ways:

1. He entrusted his spirit to God – “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)
2. He prayed for his persecutors – “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60)

These words echo Jesus’ own prayer on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34)

Stephen’s response to suffering shows the radical nature of true Christianity. The Gospel isn’t just about receiving forgiveness—it’s about extending it, even to enemies.

But there’s a sobering reality in this passage as well. The people who stoned Stephen thought they were serving God. In reality, they were fighting against Him. This is a terrifying reminder that rejecting the Gospel isn’t just a passive decision—it’s an act of rebellion against the very One who died to save us.

And here’s the hard truth: one day, Jesus will stand again—but this time, as the Judge of all the earth. Those who refuse His grace now will face His justice then. That’s why Stephen’s message was urgent, and why our response to Christ is the most important decision we will ever make.

Three Lessons We Learn from Stephen

Stephen’s life was short, but his impact was enormous. His story challenges us with three key truths:

1. The Gospel Is Worth Your Life

Stephen wasn’t just willing to die for the Gospel—he was willing to live for it boldly. He preached fearlessly, knowing the risks. He could have stayed silent. He could have tried to appease the crowd. But he didn’t. Why? Because he knew the truth was worth everything.

For most of us, following Jesus won’t mean literal martyrdom. But it does mean surrender. It means choosing Christ over comfort, truth over approval, and faith over fear.

Ask yourself:

• Do I believe the Gospel is worth everything?
• Am I willing to stand for Christ, even when it costs me?

If we truly believe the Gospel, it will shape how we live—not just what we say we believe.

2. The Holy Spirit Gives Courage

Stephen didn’t face death in his own strength. The Bible repeatedly tells us that he was full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5, 7:55). His boldness, wisdom, and peace—even in suffering—came from God’s presence within him.

If you’re struggling with fear or uncertainty in your faith, the answer isn’t to “try harder.” The answer is to seek the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Practical ways to be filled with the Spirit:

• Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you.
• Read and meditate on Scripture to align your heart with His.
• Worship, not just in song, but by surrendering your life to Him daily.

The same Spirit who empowered Stephen is available to us today. When we rely on Him, we can face any challenge with courage.

3. Your Life Has Impact—Even in the Midst of Opposition

Stephen’s death wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of something greater. His martyrdom led to a wave of persecution that scattered the church, spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8:1).

And there was one man standing in approval of his execution: Saul.

Saul, the great persecutor of Christians, would later become Paul, the greatest missionary of all time. We don’t know how much Stephen’s death impacted Saul’s heart, but we do know this: God was at work, even in the darkest moment.

Where Do You Stand?

Your life has impact, even when you don’t see the results. Faithfulness now can lead to fruit later.

Are you willing to be faithful, even if you don’t see immediate change?

Are you trusting that God is working, even in opposition?

The story of Stephen reminds us that nothing done for Christ is wasted. So, where do you stand?