Walking by Faith: Stephen – Faith That Stands in the Fire

Arnie and the BTTB Team
Sep 5
3 min read

He wasn’t an apostle. He wasn’t a pastor. He was a deacon—a man chosen to serve meals to

Walking by Faith: Stephen – Faith That Stands in the Fire

widows in the early church.

But Stephen’s life and death would mark a turning point in the story of Christianity. He became the first martyr of the church. And his final words were not filled with fear or bitterness, but faith, grace, and glory.

Stephen’s story reminds us that walking by faith means standing firm—even when it costs everything. His courage didn’t come from personal strength. It came from being filled with the Holy Spirit and looking steadily into heaven.

Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit

Stephen first appears in Acts 6, when the apostles appoint seven men to help with the daily distribution of food. The church was growing fast, and the apostles needed help to ensure no one was overlooked—especially among the Hellenist widows.

Stephen stood out immediately. He was described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). And although his role was one of service, God also worked through him in extraordinary ways:

“Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people” (v. 8).

His ministry extended beyond physical service. He spoke boldly about Christ. And not everyone liked it.

Opposition and Accusation

As Stephen preached, members of a local synagogue began to argue with him. But they couldn’t match his wisdom or his Spirit-empowered words (v. 10). So they turned to false accusations.

They seized him and brought him before the religious council. They accused him of speaking against Moses and the temple. They twisted his words—just as others had twisted the words of Jesus.

But even in the middle of this setup, Stephen’s countenance remained striking. Luke tells us:

“All who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (v. 15).

There was no panic, no flustered defense—only peace, conviction, and the presence of God.

A Spirit-Filled Defense

In Acts 7, Stephen gives a powerful speech. He recounts the history of Israel—from Abraham to Moses to Solomon. He shows how God had worked through generations, even when His people rejected His messengers.

Then Stephen turns the focus directly on his accusers:

“You stiff-necked people… you always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51).

It was a moment of truth. Stephen knew the cost of speaking this way. But he didn’t shrink back.

Truth-telling is a form of faith. It means trusting God with the outcome—even when it leads to rejection or worse.

A Glimpse of Glory

As the council became enraged, Stephen looked up.

“He gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (v. 55).

This vision is remarkable. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is typically described as seated at the right hand of the Father—a position of authority and completion. But here, Jesus stands.

It’s as if He rises to honor Stephen. To welcome him home. To bear witness to the faith of His servant.

Stephen, in turn, bears witness to what he sees:

“Behold, I see the heavens opened…” (v. 56)

It was the final straw for the council. They dragged him out and began to stone him.

Forgiveness in the Fire

As the stones struck his body, Stephen prayed.

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (v. 59).

Then, echoing the words of Christ on the cross, he said:

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (v. 60).

That’s faith. Not just to speak truth—but to forgive while bleeding. To pray while dying. To love while suffering injustice.

Among those who watched that day was a young man named Saul. He held the coats of those throwing stones. And though his heart was hardened, he would one day meet the risen Christ and become the apostle Paul.

Stephen never saw that fruit in his lifetime. But his faith planted a seed that would grow beyond his imagination.

What Stephen’s Journey Means for Ours

You may never be called to die for your faith. But you will be called to stand for it. You may be misunderstood, accused, or mocked. You may lose opportunities, friendships, or reputation.

When that happens, remember Stephen.

You don’t need a platform to be faithful. You need the Spirit of God, the courage to speak truth, and the grace to forgive those who oppose you.

Walking by faith means trusting that even when the world says you’re losing, heaven is standing to receive you.