Message To Smyrna (2)

Stephen's Example

Shortly after the founding of the New Testament Church in Acts 2, the apostles ordained seven deacons, one of whom was Stephen (Acts 6:1-6). This man, “full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people” (verse 8). Apparently, Satan was greatly upset because “the word of God spread” (verse 7). At this point, it seems Satan influenced another synagogue (congregation) to begin a deadly persecution against Stephen. The devil undoubtedly hoped to destroy Stephen's faith and stifle the growth of the Church of God.

Another congregation called “the Synagogue of the Freedmen” raised false accusations against Stephen (verses 9-14). Almost seven decades later, Jesus told the Christians at Smyrna, “I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9). Ironically and sadly, people who claim to be godly or Christian can also be instruments of persecution in the devil's hands. The congregation at Smyrna at the end of the first century was facing the same kind of persecution Stephen had faced. Their persecution was coming from people who falsely claimed to be Jews (what the first Christians were called, Romans 2:28-29). Now back to the story of Stephen.

In the face of severe accusations that could take his life, Stephen did not capitulate. Instead of giving in or looking for a compromise to save his life, Stephen appeared to grow stronger in his resolve to obey God and be a faithful witness. In the midst of this trial, the biblical account says, “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel” (verse 15). Stephen was receiving help from God.

Stephen then preceded to go through some of Israel's history culminating in a powerful statement condemning their resistance to God's laws (Acts 7:51-53).

Though the council became very angry, Stephen, “being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and…said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'” (verses 55-56). Just as Stephen had said, this group of people then treated him as their forefathers had treated God's prophets in the Old Testament. God gave him the strength to endure this most severe trial as He gave Smyrna the strength to endure tribulation “ten days,” representing a time of great trouble the congregation would soon experience.

The same comfort and help God gave believers then is available today to all who are faithful to God's instructions. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God promises to help. He will either remove our trials or give us the strength to bear them.

Trials Accompany Conversion

Just as Jesus had predicted in the parable of the sower, persecution often arises when people begin to turn to God. The same thing occurred in the apostle Paul's life. Paul had an active role in the persecution of Stephen and the early Church (Acts 7:58; 8:1, 3).

While Paul was traveling to Damascus to continue his persecution against the Christians, God miraculously appeared to him. Paul was blinded and didn't eat or drink for three days. After Ananias laid his hands on Paul, he regained his sight and was baptized to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:1-18). With baptism, conditions quickly changed.

When Paul ceased being the persecutor, he soon became the persecuted. Paul immediately began to preach “that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him” (verses 22-23).

The reality is that the people of God have always faced trials and persecutions. It comes with being a Christian. As Paul explained, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Interestingly, in the long run everyone, whether Christian or not, will be tested. Revelation 3:10 says there will be an “hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Though temporarily unpleasant, trials help us establish and solidify our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). gGod is with us, every step of the way, through all trials (Romans 8:35-39; 2 Corinthians 1:4). Next let's consider some common difficulties God's people face today.

To be contd.

God bless you all.