Face of an Angel
"All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at
Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. But Stephen
full of the Holy Spirit looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God. Look, he
said, I see heaven open and the son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At
this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices; they all
rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile,
the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." (Acts
6:15, 56-58 NIV)
To encourage understanding and appreciation for the roots of the Christian
faith, I once led a bible study using a curriculum entitled “The Trial And
Testimony Of The Early Church” prepared by the Christian History Institute. This
course was one of the most memorable experiences in the years of my bible study
ministry. Scripture passages came to life as our group imagined Christian
worshippers in first century Palestine. Personally, I was inspired by the
courage of the early church, yet surprised at some of the imperfections we tend
to overlook when romanticizing early saints. Though imperfect, the Holy Spirit’s
power enabled them to hold firm to their faith in spite of persecution and
death.
Stephen, the first to be martyred for His faith in Jesus the Messiah is
described as having a face like an angel shortly before his execution. Being
full of grace, his appearance reflected the awesome presence of God shining
brightly through him. Stephen also witnessed a glorious vision of our Savior
that encouraged him to the end. I have read similar stories of Christians
throughout the centuries that experienced God’s miraculous power making it
possible for them to face death with faithfulness instead of fear. Even in
today’s times, statistics report there are more martyrs now than any other time
in church history. Many ministries such as “Voice of the Martyrs” are raising
awareness and support for the plight of believers who suffer injustice in
hostile countries around the world. Yet, despite persecution, many are being
converted to Christ.
Thanks to careful documentation of early church writers, I have been deeply
blessed by the study “The Trial And Testimony Of The Early church.” Tertullian,
an early church father wrote: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the
church.” The bible speaks to believers regardless of the age we live in, warning
us to expect some form of persecution. Jesus said in John 15:20: “If they
persecuted Me, they will persecute you also.” (NIV) But like Stephen, we too
with the Spirit’s power can shine with the face of an angel through any
adversity, overcoming the world and receiving the crown of life.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the powerful testimony of early believers who have
sacrificed their lives for the sake of Your Name. Help those facing persecution
today with the same faith, strength and courage only Your Spirit can provide. In
Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
Lori Ciccanti