The story of Stephan reminds us that little had changed from the time of Abraham until Jesus. What I mean by that is the overall testimony of the Jews during this period of time was one of rejecting—rather than receiving…both the message and the messenger of God. It’s true there were periods of obedience—yet at the same time…there were also longer periods of disobedience.

Isaiah captures the heart of the Israelites during the periods of disobedience when he says, “These people come near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of rules taught by men” (29:13).

No doubt the Israelites should have been more focused on the things David mentioned in Psalm 25, “Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my savior, and my hope is in You all day long” (vv4-5).

When the hearts of God’s people are not focused on Him and the truth of His Word…they tend to create rules and guidelines that serve only themselves. For example; the Law and the Temple were given by God, to man, in order that he would understand his need for God and have a place to worship Him. Instead—as God’s people began to take their eyes off the Lord…both the Law and the Temple became a means of control. Even today—there are some who try to control others through the Bible and the church instead of allowing God’s Spirit to lead and transform the lives of His people.

The Bible tells us that Stephan was a man “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (v3). Furthermore—he was a man who took his salvation seriously and sought to serve the Lord Jesus with his life. Stephan willingly chose to walk in His steps. Follow the example of Christ…live as a Christian. He was a messenger with a message from God.

In our Scripture passage—did you notice what happened as Stephen went about walking in the steps of Jesus? Instead of being recognized as an example of faithfulness he’s arrested, put on trial and then killed. The life of Stephan is yet another illustration that both the message and messenger of God will be rejected. What’s most amazing is this—he’s rejected by those who consider themselves to be the people of God.

Christians dying at the hands of those who consider themselves the people of God has been happening since Jesus. For example John Huss. He was burned at the stake in 1415. Remember this— any earthly consequences for walking in the steps of Jesus will be commendable in heaven. 1 Peter 2:20    

1. Stephen’s ministry resembles that of Christ.

When you consider the summary of events that unfold at the end of chapter 6 it’s obvious that Stephen was a man of God, walking in the power of God, doing the work of God (v8). If we were to reflect for a moment on the ministry of Jesus similar things should come to our minds right away. 1) Jesus was sent by God (John 3:16). 2) Jesus was a servant of God (Mat 20:28). 3) Jesus suffered as a result of doing the work of God (Mat 26-27).

Notice if you will some of the similarities between Jesus ministry and the ministry of Stephen: the presence of grace, power, and miracles among the people (v8); his ministry faces opposition (v9); his critics can’t refute his message (v10); he’s falsely accused (v11); he’s arrested on false charges (v12); his teaching is misrepresented (v13); his countenance reveals the presence of God (v15).

Each of these things resembles the ministry of Jesus. Stephen was sent by God, served God, and as a result he’s suffering for doing the work of God. Stephen lived in a world that was held captive to the power of the of God’s enemy…the devil. He seeks to destroy everything God has created…which includes us (1 Pet 5:8).

The question for us is this…in whose steps will we walk. Those of Jesus or His adversary? This is the same question Joshua asked the children of Israel after they came into the Promised Land (Joshua 24:15). What about you this morning…whom will you serve?

2. Like Christ, Stephen’s message is rejected.

When Stephen is asked by the high priest if the charges against him are true—he seizes the opportunity and preaches a message that still needs to be heard today. Man is prone to reject God. In the first 53 verses of chapter 7—Stephen traces the hand of God at work through the life of Israel from Abraham to Jesus. His point being this—at every stage of Israel’s history…the Holy Spirit was at work through messengers appointed by God. Yet—the people were prone to reject their message.

Notice—instead of receiving Stephen’s message and crying out to God in repentance…they become enraged (v54). All the while proving Stephen’s point—the proclivity of man is rebellion towards the ‘living words’ of God (v38).

We should not be surprised when a deceived and dying world rejects the message of God. Paul tells us in Romans 1:20, “God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made”…yet people willing reject His presence.

What should surprise us is when the people who profess to know God…reject His message. God’s message is rejected when we love ourselves and the things of this world more than Christ (Mat 22:37). God’s message is rejected when we’re willing to talk to everyone but Him (1 Thess 5:17). God’s message is rejected when we won’t gather together for worship on a regular basis (Heb 10:25). God’s message is rejected when we refuse to believe that holiness is a command from God (1 Peter 1:16). Etc.

We shouldn’t be surprised that the world is rejecting God’s message and His messengers. Jesus said that people love darkness instead of the light the gospel message provides (John 3:19). But God’s people should receive His message with great joy. All the while knowing it’s the lamp and light for our path as we walk in the steps of Jesus (Psalm 119:105).

3. Like Christ, Stephen remained faithful until death.

None of us knows exactly how we would respond if ever faced with the threat of death for sharing the gospel. We would like to think that we would follow the example of Jesus, Stephen, and hundreds of other Christian martyrs. As chapter 7 comes to a close—Stephen is at that crossroad in his life. He’s about to give his life for the gospel message. Notice what he says, “I see Jesus” (v56). The One who gave His life for Stephen is now standing at the right hand of God as a witness to Stephen’s faithfulness. I’m reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, “Whoever acknowledges me before men…I’ll acknowledge him before My Father in heaven.”

The Bible teaches us that believers have been called into service. We’re like an army of witnesses. We are engaged in a spiritual battle every moment of every day. Some will be called upon to give the ultimate sacrifice like Christ. Some will be called upon to walk in His steps. If you are one of those called—Peter says, “Rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ” (1 Pet 4:13).

Polycarp was one called upon to give his life for the gospel. As Bishop of Smyrna he was told to burn incense to the emperor of Rome and he refused. On the day he was burned at the stake it’s reported he said, “Eighty and six years I have served Him…how can I blaspheme my King and Savior? Bring forth what thou wilt.”

Church, I believe that Stephen was just an ordinary person like us. He was filled with the same Spirit of God that lives within us as a believer. He probably had no idea that his life here on earth would end outside Jerusalem at the hands of angry religious leaders. By those assigned as shepherd’s of God’s people.

What about us? Let’s pray that if God calls upon one of us to walk in the steps of Jesus, Stephen, Polycarp, John Huss, or hundreds of other Christian martyrs…we’ll be faithful.