The Unhealthy and Unwealthy Gospel (Acts 6:8-15)
Introduction
It is easy to think that if we are faithful, God will always reward us with visible success. That was the assumption of Job's friends, and to some extent Job himself. Job does wrestle with God’s will, and lays out that the wicked man can prosper and the righteous man can suffer. Justice in this age is not always so black/white.
We can fall into a hasty assumption that if we obey, life should go smoothly. If we suffer, we must have done something wrong. Is this always the case?
Stephen's story reminds us that God's kingdom does not always work according to our expectations. Here is a man full of grace, full of the Holy Spirit, and faithful in every way. Yet instead of receiving praise, he is falsely accused and brought to trial. Luke shows us that faithfulness is not measured by earthly success but by steadfast trust in Christ.
Contradicting the Expected Narrative
Stephen is introduced as a man "full of grace and power." His life displayed the work of the Holy Spirit. He is a man so enveloped by grace that he is a gracious man. He served the weak as a deacon. He defended the truth second to none. Overall, he reflected the kindness of Christ.
His wisdom did not come from natural ability but from the Spirit working through him. Christ shows his promise is true that he will give the words when one is hauled into a court. (Luke 21:14)
His godliness stirred opposition rather than an attentive ear. Those who argued against him could not answer his teaching because the Spirit gave Stephen wisdom beyond their own. One would think that such compelling arguments would win the day. However, the opposite happens.
The Opponents Create False Evidence
Unable to defeat Stephen's teaching, his opponents turned to deception. They secretly persuaded false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy against Moses, the temple, and God. Rather than submitting to God's Word, they twisted the truth to preserve their own system.
This reminds us that unbelief is not simply a lack of evidence. The problem is the human heart. Stephen answered every objection faithfully, yet Luke tells us they failed to believe. Ironically, they violate Moses’ law as they recruit a malicious or a false witness against Stephen (Deuteronomy 19:15-21. ). Moses is very clear that the thing the false witness desires to do to the accused will be carried out on them. Clearly, they do not want what is orthodox. They will cast aside Moses to destroy an innocent man.
It is true that we are called to be ready to make a defense (1 Peter 3:15), but at the same time we are not to obsess about every possible objection (Luke 21:14). The problem is not solved through moral or logical suasion. It is a problem of the heart that only the Lord can cure.
A Second Moses, Rejected Like the First
As Stephen stood before the council, Luke reports to us instant credibility: his face shone like the face of an angel. Just as Moses reflected God's glory after meeting with the Lord, so Stephen visibly reflected the presence of God. When Moses received the Torah from God, we read that his face shone so brightly that God’s people could not look upon him (Exodus 34:29-35). You would think that the council would pause and contemplate. They would think that maybe Stephen is also bearing revelation from the same God. Maybe Stephen is bringing revelation and instruction, torah, that the council should heed. However, Stephen would suffer as a martyr, as we will see in two weeks, because of their hard-hearted rebellion.
We might think that this is defeat. Christ never abandoned His servant. Stephen's strength came from the risen and reigning Savior, who upheld him through suffering and welcomed him into glory. Christ’s ascension does not remove him from the church. No, Christ’s ascension testifies that he rules over the church in the midst of his enemies. His ascension testifies that he really empowers the church as sovereign ruler and priest (Psalm 110:2; cf sermon on Psalm 110).
The church must remember this lesson. We cannot judge God's blessing merely by numbers, popularity, or outward success. Christ calls His people to faithfulness. The results belong to Him, and we trust that it works out. We are called to discern (Ephesians 5:10) what is pleasing to God and be faithful to him.
Conclusion
Stephen teaches us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ rather than on earthly outcomes. We may faithfully proclaim the gospel and still face rejection. We may do what is right and still suffer. But none of this means Christ has abandoned His people.
Our Savior reigns even in the midst of opposition (Psalm 110:2; cf sermon on Psalm 110). He gives His Spirit to strengthen His church. His Spirit gives us wisdom to answer when called upon. The ultimate peace is knowing that in the Spirit we will persevere until the end.
Therefore, let us seek to be people who are full of the grace of Christ. Let us be a people who give ourselves over to the Spirit. Let us be a people who seek to discern what it means to be faithful in every circumstance. Our confidence is not in visible success but in our risen Lord, who holds His people securely in His hands and will never fail to bring them safely home. Let us walk in him!
(Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to utilize our playlist and sermon shorts on the Book of Acts.)