Acts 6:8-15

Acts 6:8-15
English Standard Version (ESV)

  At a certain point in a disagreement, people stop arguing over the merits of an idea and keep arguing just because they need the other side to be wrong in order for them to be right.  This, I think, is the essence of our political system today.  We've stopped debating ideas and thinking about how to selflessly serve the greater interests of the country and expend our collective energy trying to make sure everyone knows the other side is wrong.  It's frustrating because in depth debates are impossible at this point -- it's no longer a debate and becomes a popularity contest.
  Stephen, here, is full of the wisdom of the Spirit, and the people soon realize they can't debate this.  Rather than humbly examine themselves to see if they need to repent of their pride, they drum up false charges and run him off, because then they can say that they won, right?
  But the Truth always wins out, so even in their attempts to mute Stephen, the wisdom of God flows freely, reaching out to hearts and minds willing to submit to a good and beautiful Savior.  God uses Stephen, and works through the folly of the crowd, always inviting, always pursuing, always loving.