So Stephen was doing signs and wonders among the people, but others were opposed to his ministry, so they made false accusations, proving that no good deed goes unpunished. Stephen then has the opportunity to respond to his accusers, and I love how he begins all the way back in the beginning. Stephen's ministry isn't rooted in something new and in style for the moment -- Stephen is rooted in a tradition going back centuries. He is anchored, and he knows the story of his people and his God.
What a gift that is -- in our modern world, people are uncertain what truth is, and they see 'influencers' rise up out of nowhere, often peddling some product or story that likely has no background, and thousands flock to them, seeking something new to alleviate their concerns.
Stephen, rather than grabbing for something new that might promise to save him, stands steadfast, rooted in faith, because he isn't afraid. He knows that the truth supports him, and so he is confidant.
May we learn our own story and the story of our faith as well, that we can be unafraid and rooted in times of chaos.
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