#104 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Stephen – Crowned

(That which Surrounds or Encompasses)

 

 “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God

and serve tables… Therefore select from among you, brothers,

seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom,

whom we may appoint over this business."

(Acts 6:2-3)

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

In this lesson we will cover the Great Intercessors of the Bible – Stephen”.  The church was growing so rapidly that there was no way for the disciples to handle everything that needed to be done among the believers. "During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds,"(Acts 6:1) Just as it is today people started talking about the church how they were neglecting the widows in the church. "Hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines."(Acts 6:2)  Isn’t it interesting that people will leap over one thousand things that you’re doing well just to find one wrong thing?  Now some scholar’s feel that this was only the Apostles thinking themselves as to important for menial task; however I don’t believe this was the case. Keep in mind that the church was growing by leaps and bounds by now, it was no doubt well over 12– 15 thousand members if not more. There is no way humanly possible for the Apostles to be planting new churches, preaching several times a week or even a day; staying in prayer and fasting as well as hand out groceries to the hungry, poor and needy daily. It was time to start do assigning some of the members these tasks to do, this made them partakers and labors right along with the Apostles.

“So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples; they said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.” The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

·         Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,

·         Philip

·         Procorus

·         Nicanor

·         Timon

·         Parmenas

·         Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task. The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.” (Acts 6:2-7)

By doing this the Apostles would have more time for prayer and study of the word, which they need in order to declare the Lord.  This would also give the Holy Spirit the chance to work through other member and allow others to know that they too could lay hands on the sick, cast out demons and proclaim the name of Jesus. Because they were given this opportunity, two of the deacons Stephen and Phillip were very influential in proclaiming the gospel and witnessing. “Stephen, who was brimming with God’s grace and energy; was doing wonderful things among the people; there were unmistakable signs that God was among them. But then some men from the meeting place whose membership was made up of freed slaves, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and some others from Cilicia and Asia, went up against him trying to argue him down. But they were no match for his wisdom and spirit when he spoke.” (Acts 6:8-10)

One of the qualification of Stephen being chosen as one of the seven was that he was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, “…whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense,” (Acts 6:4) Once confronted by the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and the others from Cilicia and Asia Stephen stood his ground in Christ authority and spoke boldly. There are those who believe that if Stephen had not engaged these men, he would never have been taken into court and tried thus he wouldn’t have been stoned to death.  This may be true however; it may also be true that this was exactly what Stephen had been chosen to do by the Lord.  Yes it would have been safer to not say anything and just walk away…but what about Saul of Tarsus, who was standing in the crowd? In fact he was holding the coats of those who were stoning Steven. 

 

 “So in secret they bribed men to lie: “We heard him cursing Moses and God.”  That stirred up the people, the religious leaders, and religion scholars. They grabbed Stephen and took him before the High Council. They put forward their bribed witnesses to testify: “This man talks nonstop against this Holy Place and God’s Law. We even heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth would tear this place down and throw out all the customs Moses gave us.”  As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!”(Acts 6:11-15)

 In verse 15 of this passage the words always grips me with such awe, “As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!”(Acts 6:11-15) This is why I believe that Stephen was anointed for this very day and time… he was literally transformed right before their eyes summarily like Jesus was on the mount of transfiguration.  When we enter into intercession I believe the same thing happens to us as we enter in and go behind the veil of God’s glory.  

Benny Hinn said in his teaching series “Practicing the Presence” that once we have entered into the Holy of Holies our spirit from that point knows how to return.  Once we press passed the flesh and distraction of the outer courts, pass the Holy Place into the Holy of Holies your spirit will always long to return.  We will conclude our teaching on Stephen in our next lesson. For now thank you for joining us and Have a blessed day. 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given each of us a task to fulfill and at the appointed time we shall do it. Just as Stephen had no idea what lay ahead of him, all he knew was that he was on fire for Christ.  He was endowed with power and boldness to speak the word in truth and righteousness before the religious leaders and scholars. Father thank you for giving us the same boldness so that we can speak Your word in boldness no matter who is listening. Perhaps there will be a Saul in the audience who will later become converted and declare Your name among the gentile nations. Thank You for giving us the wisdom and clarity of knowledge which we’ll need to complete the task You have assigned to us, in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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