Friday 24 April 2026

Psalm 33:13-22

Background
Stephen was chosen as a deacon on the basis of being known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He was one of the seven deacons whose role was to ensure that there was fairness between the Hellenistic Christians and the Jewish Christians in the daily distribution of food. However, he has a bigger role than this. He displays signs of the power of the Spirit and speaks out powerfully about his faith.

Stephen arouses opposition, particularly from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. These were Jews who had been slaves under Roman rule but had been given their freedom. They were mainly from Greek-speaking areas and were fervent defenders of historic Jewish traditions. When they find that Stephen can beat them in debate, they look for other ways to bring him down. They accuse him of blasphemy and of trying to undermine the Jewish faith, which leads to his arrest by the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Council), which had the power of a court.

At his trial, it seems to Stephen's judges that he has the face of an angel. This suggests that the Spirit was shining through him making him seem radiant and serene, filled with a deep inner peace, despite his dangerous situation. In light of what would happen shortly afterwards (he was killed), it could be seen that he was already transitioning to a new role.

I have visited people who were in constant pain, bedridden or housebound. and who knew that they had only a short time to live, whose lives have been full of joy, peace and hope. Their faith shone through them. It was a blessing to have been in their presence; I came away feeling encouraged. It seems that, however difficult a situation we face, a response of faith can transform that situation.

To Ponder:

• Have you known people whose faith shone through them to the extent that it impacted on others?
• Do you know people whose lives seem full of a deep personal peace? How does that show itself?

Prayer
Loving God, we ask that you will bless us with that deep personal peace and sense of wholeness that comes from faith in you and from the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible notes author: Philip Sudworth
Philip is a local preacher in the Wigan Circuit. Having retired from a career in the education service, he’s kept busy with voluntary work. He has had articles on faith published in seven countries. Grandchildren have given him renewed insights into awe and wonder, love and trust. Frequent questions remind him that anyone who thinks he has all the answers hasn’t yet found half the questions.