LESSON 35 STEPHEN’S DEFENCE AND MARTYRDOM

Test: Acts 7:1–60

A martyr is a person who undergoes suffering and death for his or her faith or belief. Stephen’s martyrdom means his suffering and death for his faith in God and defence of the gospel.

After the Holy Ghost Baptism on the day of Pentecost, the apostles and other believers began to preach the gospel of Christ with boldness. Great wonders and miracles followed their words as Jesus had promised. The religious leaders of the time wanted to silence the early church so that Jesus would be forgotten. They began to persecute the believers. They imprisoned, beat, warned, and threatened them not to preach in the name of Jesus. The more they were persecuted, the more they preached, and the more the church grew. Stephen was among the persecuted and the first to be killed for his faith in Christ. Are you suffering because you are a friend of Jesus? God expects you to stand and endure because great rewards await you.

1. STEPHEN: A FEARLESS SPIRIT-FILLED BELIEVER

Acts 6:5, 8–15

Before Jesus left the world, He told His friends that those who believe on Him will do greater works than He did through the power of the Holy Spirit which the Father would send to them. Acts 6:8 confirmed this promise in the life of Stephen. He was described as “full of faith and power, (who) did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

A great persecution arose against the believers, particularly Stephen, through some religious leaders. They were always arguing with him concerning his belief and doctrine. The Bible reveals that those rulers who hated Stephen could not resist the Spirit and the wisdom with which he spoke. In the end, they hired some false witnesses to testify against him that he spoke evil against Moses, the law, and the temple.

When you are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, persecutors will not be able to resist your wisdom. You will become fearless and bold to preach the gospel and do great works for Christ.

2. STEPHEN’S DEFENCE AND MARTYRDOM

Acts 7:1–60

Stephen was brought before the highest religious authority of that time, the Sanhedrin. He was asked to defend himself against the allegation of speaking against Moses, the law, and the temple. As Stephen spoke, there was a great manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power in his life:

• He was bold and fearless.
• He was able to recall the whole Old Testament law to back up his argument, which convicted his listeners.
• The glory of God shone on his face so that it became like that of an angel.
• He spoke the word of God with authority.

As he spoke before the council, he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He told them this vision, which they regarded as a great sin. They could not stand him anymore. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death.

Through the Comforter and Jesus whom he was looking up to, he took the suffering calmly and began to pray. He prayed for Jesus to receive his spirit, and secondly for God to forgive his enemies. He died while praying. It was a glorious death as Jesus stood up to receive him into Heaven. We should be encouraged to stand firm and endure till the end. Jesus is waiting to receive all His faithful friends.

3. SUNDRY LESSONS FROM STEPHEN’S LIFE AND DEATH

Acts 7:54–60; 2 Timothy 3:12

One of the marks of a good soldier of Jesus Christ is the ability to endure persecution. The Christian life is not an easy one. It is built up through persecution, trials, temptation, and endurance. If you want to follow Jesus and receive your crown, you must endure till the end.

The other lesson is that we cannot have a successful Christian life without the Holy Ghost Baptism. To have this experience, you must do the following:

1. i) Take a definite step to be saved if you are still a sinner. Repent and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus.
   ii) Press forward, seek, and pray for a holy (clean) heart. This is called sanctification. The Spirit of God is holy and will only dwell in a holy heart.
   iii) Thirst or have a strong desire to receive the Holy Spirit.
   iv) Have faith to receive. That is, believe that God will give you.
   v) Pray seriously to be baptized. The disciples in the upper room prayed fervently without any distraction, and they were all baptized (Acts 1:12–14). Now it is time to pray for the Holy Ghost Baptism.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the meaning of martyrdom?
2. State two ways in which the Holy Spirit worked through Stephen.
3. How can you receive the Holy Spirit’s power?
4. Did Stephen receive his reward?
5. What can you learn from the suffering and death of Stephen?

MEMORY VERSE

“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
(Acts 7:59)

LESSON

All those that will endure persecution for Christ’s sake will receive great rewards.

THOUGHT

I will endure till the end.

ACTIVITY

Search the Scriptures and find two other examples of martyrdom in the New Testament.

HOMEWORK

Pray for grace to stand during persecution.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG

GHS 58 – THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY

CHORUSES

1. When He calls me I will answer.
2. Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus.
3. Something more than gold.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:

1. Persecution
2. Martyrdom
3. Threatened
4. Council
5. Defence