Stephen’s life may have been brief in Scripture, but his legacy burns brightly as a beacon of boldness, faith, and Christlike endurance. Chosen as one of the first deacons in Acts 6, Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 6:5). He didn’t just serve tables—he lived out the gospel with such power that even his enemies couldn’t resist the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke.

When false accusations were leveled against him, Stephen stood before the religious leaders—not to defend himself, but to declare the truth. His sermon in Acts 7 traced the history of Israel’s resistance to God, culminating in their rejection of Jesus as the promised Messiah. He didn’t soften the truth. He spoke it with clarity, conviction, and love. His words cut to the heart, not with malice, but with the hope that his hearers might repent and believe.

Stephen’s boldness cost him his life. As stones flew, he looked up and saw Jesus standing—not sitting—at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). It was as though the Savior Himself rose to honor His faithful servant. Even as he was being killed, Stephen echoed the words of Jesus: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). His final breath was not one of bitterness, but of grace.

Stephen reminds us that true faithfulness means standing for truth no matter the cost. It means loving our enemies, forgiving those who harm us, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, even in the fire. He may not have lived long—but his testimony still lives today.

May we be willing to follow Christ with the same boldness and faithfulness, whether in life or in death, knowing that whatever the cost, our Savior is worth it.