Acts 6:12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.
What struck me about this passage is the fact that it is so reminiscent of what happened to Jesus: jealousy, fear, false accusations, false witnesses. The emotional response within my own body as I read this section was intense—increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, initiation of flight or fight reflexes. Yet Stephen has the face of an angel.
Acts 6:13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
Initially, I thought that description—-the face of an angel—was merely an aesthetic description, but commentary helped me see it was about the peace that can only come from rooting ourselves firmly and completely in Christ, a peace and confidence that is so profound that it shines through us and transforms us.
Acts 6:14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
Lord, I want Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I want to root myself so completely in Your love and compassion that what shines through my countenance is my confidence and trust in You alone. Help me. Amen.
Acts 6:15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Have a blessed day.