By Andrew Williams
“But some men from the Synagogue of Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria—as well as men from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” – Acts 6:9-10 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Acts 6:9-10 unveils the rising opposition to Stephen’s ministry. It wasn’t just a casual disagreement; it was a deliberate attempt to discredit him by those from various synagogues. These men, representing different cultural and geographical backgrounds, united in their resistance to the truth Stephen proclaimed. However, verse 10 reveals the critical element that set Stephen apart: “They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” Stephen wasn’t relying on his intellect or knowledge, but on the divine wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit. This passage underscores that true effectiveness in ministry comes not from human ability but from divine enablement.
In your journey as a disciple, you will inevitably face opposition. Your faith will be challenged, your beliefs questioned, and you may encounter resistance from unexpected sources. Remember Stephen’s example: he didn’t cower in fear or back down from the truth. Instead, he relied on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit dwells in you, equipping you to stand firm in your faith and articulate the truth with clarity and conviction. You are not alone; the Spirit of God empowers you to overcome opposition and speak with wisdom that confounds those who oppose the truth.
This week, prepare yourself to engage with those who may challenge your faith. Instead of relying on your understanding, seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit through prayer and study of God’s Word. When faced with opposition, pause, and ask the Spirit to guide your words and actions. Do not be afraid to speak the truth in love, trusting that God will use your faithfulness to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of others. Be conscious of redirecting your focus from defending yourself to sharing the truth of God’s Word.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Stephen and his unwavering reliance on Your Spirit. I acknowledge that I will face opposition as I follow You. Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith and the wisdom to speak Your truth with clarity and grace. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may be a vessel of Your wisdom and love. Help me to trust in Your power, not my own, and to always give You the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
