Barnabas File

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 spiritu...

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.   “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” --Acts 7:55-56, NIV In the Book of Acts, Stephen is known for several things.  He was chosen as one of the deacons of the church at Jerusalem.  He performed significant ministry.  He was very articulate in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.  He was martyred for his faith. Most Bible studies related to Stephen emphasize his role as a deacon in the church and his death as a precursor to the conversion of Saul (Paul).  In doing so, we miss something very significant about this early leader of the church. First, the role of deacon was more a function than an office.  Deacons were not administrators but servants who cared for the needs of church members; in this case, the Greek-spea...