Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be “filled with the Holy Spirit”? This Bible study explores this question through examining the character and defense of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By analyzing Stephen’s discourse before the Jewish leaders in Acts 7, we discover how being filled with the Spirit manifests in wisdom, courage, and faithful witness even in the face of persecution. This study also draws parallels between Stephen’s experience and the life of Jesus Christ, showing patterns of rejection, faithful witness, and ultimate sacrifice that connect through biblical history.

And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56

• Stephen was among the first deacons chosen in the early church and was noted to be “filled with the Holy Spirit”
• Being filled with the Spirit gave Stephen wisdom, knowledge, and courage to stand before his persecutors
• Stephen outlined a pattern of rejection in Jewish history through Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and ultimately Jesus
• Stephen boldly confronted the Jewish leaders as being “stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears”
• Leadership (whether in ancient Israel or modern churches) can significantly impact spiritual health
• There’s a distinction between Jewish leaders and common people in their response to Stephen
• Church leadership must be filled with the Holy Spirit to avoid corruption and lead properly
• Christians should not fear persecution because the Spirit provides wisdom in difficult moments

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59

Looking at Stephen’s faithful witness reminds us that Jesus himself set the pattern for courageous testimony in the face of opposition. Just as Stephen stood firm before hostile religious leaders, Jesus too faced rejection from those who should have recognized Him. This Bible study challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives - are we filled with the Holy Spirit like Stephen was? Jesus promised that the Spirit would give us words when facing persecution, just as He did for Stephen who saw the glory of God even in his final moments. In our modern context where compromise is tempting, we need the same Spirit-filled courage to speak truth regardless of the consequences.

Bible References

• Acts 7:1-60
• Acts 7
• Hebrews 11:36-38
• Matthew 10:19
• Luke 13:33
• 1 Corinthians 15:6