Monday 27 April 2009

Background

Through the skilful telling of stories, Luke (the author of Actsof the Apostles, as well as his own Gospel) relates the impact ofJesus' resurrection on his followers. He records the early years ofthe Christian Church and describes the effective spread ofChristianity from Jerusalem to Rome and the wider world.

The two main characters of the book are Peter and Paul (formerlySaul) and the most significant issue to be resolved is that thegospel of resurrection is not only for the Jews but for theGentiles (non-Jews) too - and hence for the whole world. With thehelp of the Holy Spirit, who has a high profile role throughout thebook, the followers of Jesus bear witness to the Resurrection andthe message of Christianity spreads far and wide.

Prominent among these witnesses is Stephen. Stephen was one of"seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom"(Acts 6:3), chosen to organise the care of the poor in the Church.There had been criticism that as the Church was increasing innumber the task of providing this care was being neglected (seeActs 6:1).

Such practical duties did not prevent Stephen from sharing in thepreaching and witnessing, and the displaying of great wonders andsigns among the people, especially the Greek-speaking community. Hewas "full of grace and power" and hence those who disagreed withhim "could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which hespoke". As a result these members of the synagogue of the'Freedmen' (who were probably Roman prisoners or their descendants,who had subsequently been granted their freedom) resorted tobringing him before the council, setting up false witnesses totestify against him.

Jesus had warned his followers that they would be brought beforesynagogues, rulers and authorities but promised that they wouldthen be equipped by the Holy Spirit to bear witness, being given"words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able towithstand or contradict" (Luke 12:11-12;21:12-15). The story of Stephen is a fulfilment of both thewarning and the promise.

To Ponder

Do you know people who appear to be "full of theSpirit and of wisdom" or "full of grace and power" or who have acertain presence about them? To what do you attribute thesequalities and characteristics?

Aspects of the gospel of resurrection arecertainly controversial. Are there particular elements of theChristian message that you find difficult to accept or believe?

What strategies do you have for dealing withconfrontation and controversy - and for remaining graciousthroughout?