Accusation against Stephen
Acts 6:8–15; Ps. 119; John 6:22–29
In today’s first reading, Stephen was arrested for preaching the good news. While he was tried in the council, the Bible says “his face appeared to them like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). It means that Stephen was innocent.
In fact, the Bible says, “They secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God” (Acts 6:11). There are still people who use others as pawns in their nasty schemes against rivals.
There are still those who conspire to harm their rivals by spreading lies. The prevalence of pull-him-down syndrome in the church today tears at my heart. Beloved, avoid participating in bad schemes. Don’t give in to shady deals because of trails. The Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
Apostle Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). The trials you are facing are not strange. It’s natural, and like Stephen, it will undoubtedly benefit you in the long run.
In the gospel, we see the people following Jesus because they want more of the bread that he has given them. Most times, we follow Jesus Christ because of our physical appetite. Christ wants men to follow him based on eternal values—like the desires that filled the heart of Stephen—and only then shall our faces appear like those of an angel at judgment.
*LET US PRAY*
*Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, putting off our old self with all its ways, we may live as Christ did, for through the healing paschal remedies you have conformed us to his nature. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
