Unstoppable! 'Reflecting Heaven's Glory While Under Attack' — Acts 6:11-15

Friday, March 29, 2024

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So [the men debating unsuccessfully with Stephen] persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, "We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God." This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.

The lying witnesses said, "This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us."

[When the false witnesses were lying about Stephen,] everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel's.

— Acts 6:11-15 NLT

Key Thought

I can't imagine what the accusers of Stephen felt when he reflected the glory of God like an angel. His accusers had stirred themselves into a frenzy of hate and jealousy and enticed some to lie about Stephen. Then they looked at this man they wanted dead and saw something they never expected: "...his face became as bright as an angel's." Stephen's manner was testimony enough, even without the words that he would later speak. God showed his approval in a gloriously powerful way. Truth revealed itself despite the abuse of earthly power by those who hated the truth!

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, we come to you as the one and only living and almighty God. Please exercise your power to bring down every corrupt leader and reveal the truth in our world so marred by injustice and the abuse of power. May we live here on this earth as living witnesses to the character and nature of Jesus. May your Spirit empower us to make our way in the world as Jesus said it, "...as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves."^ We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

^ Matthew 10:16.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 10:16-20
  • 1 Peter 3:13-17

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:11-15 NLT — So [the men debating unsuccessfully with Stephen] persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, "We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God." This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. The lying witnesses said, "This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us." [When the false witnesses were lying about Stephen,] everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel's.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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