Stephen: A Person of Faith and Wisdom

Throughout the history of the church, men and women have stepped up to renew the church and stretch its ministry in new directions. These are pathfinders, entrepreneurs, or pioneers who see new opportunities for Kingdom work and respond accordingly.

Stephen, one of the first deacons in the church at Jerusalem, provides a good model of a true “thought leader,” one who moves things in a new direction. Although originally chosen as one “to wait on tables” or care for widows, Stephen had the ability and the opportunity to do much more than this simple task of service. A servant leader in the best sense of the term, he was ready and willing to follow the leadership of the Spirit.

In the descriptions of Stephen in the Book of Acts, a pattern is clear. He was “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (6:3); “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (6:5); and “a man full of God’s grace and power” (6:8).

There was a spiritual vitality in Stephen that issued forth in service to others. His walk with God empowered and motivated him to perform “great wonders and signs among the people” (6:8). In the familiar phrase, he walked the talk.

Stephen was also deeply rooted in the Hebrew scriptures. In the lengthy discourse credited to him in Acts 7, he shows a deep understanding of scripture, the history of his Jewish forebears, and a remarkable grasp of the role of Christ in ushering in a new age for all people. He was an articulate and faithful spokesperson for the Kingdom of God.

A person of faith and wisdom, Stephen exhibited the key personality characteristic of a leader--personal integrity. People responded to him because his actions backed up his words. He understood his motivation and lived out his values. We want to follow people like Stephen.

(All scripture passages are NIV.)

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