Stephen's Crown

There have been faithful Christians whose love for and commitment to the Lord make their light shine through so greatly that others around them take notice--Stephen was such a man. Nothing is known about Stephen’s personal life. Nothing about his parents nor and if he had any siblings, wife, or children; however, what is known about him is what is truly important. Acts 6:5 introduces Stephen as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." He was the first deacon to be chosen by the twelve Apostles because he was faithful, even when faced with certain death.

Acts 7 records the testimony of Stephen, which is perhaps the most detailed and concise history of Israel and their relationship to God of any in Scripture. Stephen was not concerned about his earthly existence, and instead determining to stand firmly on the side of Jesus Christ, no matter the consequences. God inspired Stephen to speak boldly, rightly accusing Israel of their failure to recognize Jesus, their Messiah, rejecting and murdering Him, as they had murdered Zechariah and other prophets and faithful men throughout their generations. Stephen’s speech was a condemnation against Israel and their failure as the chosen people of God who had been given the law, the holy things, and the promise of the Messiah.

Deacon Stephen's preaching was not well received by the unbelieving Jews and yet he  preached on boldly no matter what. He was willing and ready to sacrifice his life for the cause of the Gospel even if no one would listen. But there was one...