By Andrew Williams
“Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?” Stephen replied, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran.” – Acts 7:1-2 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Acts 7:1-2 sets the stage for Stephen’s powerful defense before the Sanhedrin. The high priest demands an answer to the accusations of blasphemy. Stephen, rather than immediately denying the charges, launches into a comprehensive recounting of Israel’s history, beginning with Abraham. This isn’t a defensive maneuver, but a strategic approach to reveal God’s consistent faithfulness and His progressive revelation throughout history. By reminding his audience of their shared heritage and the unfolding of God’s plan, Stephen skillfully prepares them to understand the significance of Jesus Christ within the context of their own sacred story.
As a disciple of Christ, you may be called upon to explain and defend your faith. Like Stephen, you might face questions, challenges, or accusations regarding your beliefs. Remember that defending your faith is not about winning arguments or proving your intellectual superiority. Instead, it is about sharing the truth in love, with grace, and with a deep understanding of the context and perspective of those you are speaking to. You are empowered by the Holy Spirit to articulate your faith with clarity and conviction, to share your personal testimony, and to connect the dots between the Old Testament prophecies and the fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
This week, consider how you would articulate your faith to someone who is unfamiliar with Christianity or who holds opposing beliefs. Prepare yourself by studying the Scriptures, praying for wisdom, and reflecting on your personal journey with Christ. When opportunities arise to share your faith, do so with gentleness, respect, and a genuine desire to help others understand the truth. Redirect your focus to sharing the Gospel and letting them make a determination for themselves.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and courage to defend my faith with grace and clarity. Help me to understand the perspective of others and to articulate the truth in a way that is both compelling and compassionate. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may be a faithful witness to Your love and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
