In the weeks after Easter, we always spend time with the stories of the early church. Mostly, these are stories of signs, wonders, growth, and community. But Stephen’s story is different: a story profound faith, powerful witness, and tragedy. As one of the first deacons, Stephen was chosen to ensure marginalized Hellenistic widows received proper care. Yet his journey from serving food to becoming Christianity’s first martyr (recounted in Acts 6-7) reveals powerful insights about how faithfulness can lead to conflict.

What can we learn from Stephen’s path?

First, Stephen saw beyond existing religious structures. He understood that God’s presence couldn’t be confined to the temple or traditional institutions. Throughout his sermon before the council, he reminded them that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands.” This challenged those whose authority was tied to these structures.

Second, he spoke truth with Spirit-filled wisdom. Scripture tells us his opponents “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.” His words weren’t merely clever arguments but carried divine insight that cut to the heart.

Third, Stephen stood firm despite fierce resistance. Even facing deadly consequences, he continued proclaiming what he understood about God’s movement in Jesus Christ. His courage flowed from conviction, not stubbornness.

In his most challenging moment, Stephen experienced Christ’s presence. “He gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Notice Jesus is standing, not sitting – positioned as an advocate, ready to defend Stephen in his struggle.

Finally, Stephen responded with forgiveness, echoing Jesus on the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Even in suffering, he embodied Christ’s love, breaking the cycle of violence with radical forgiveness.

This path of faithfulness leading to conflict appears repeatedly through history. Dietrich Bonhoeffer opposed Hitler’s regime because he recognized the church was being co-opted by nationalism. His opposition ultimately cost him his life. Civil Rights leaders like Dr. King faced opposition from moderate clergy who counseled patience rather than “unwise and untimely” protests. Today, Christians in conflict zones, like Gaza, struggle to bear witness to justice and reconciliation while facing immense pressure from multiple sides.

Stephen’s ministry as a deacon is what led him to stand up to the powers of his age. True care extends beyond providing comfort. Sometimes it means challenging systems that cause distress in the first place. It involves asking uncomfortable questions about who is valued or overlooked in our communities, and who is included in the expansive and free mercy of God.

The good news is that when we walk the path Stephen walked, when our faith leads us into conflict, we don’t face these challenges alone. Whether in our world, with other Christians, or in our families, the risen Christ stands beside us, empowering us through the Spirit to speak with wisdom and respond with Christ’s love and mercy.

And of course, this good news also comes with one really big caveat. We might be wrong. History is filled with examples of Christians who boldly stood up and Christ stood with them; it’s also filled with examples of Christians who boldly stood up, but ultimately got it wrong. Standing up for our convictions requires both courage and humility—willing to speak truth as we understand it, yet open to listening and learning. The fact that might be wrong should not lead us to shy away from difficult encounters, but lead us to do so with humility. Conviction minus humility equals self-righteousness. Conviction plus humility equals faithful witness. Before Stephen was a speaker, he was a listener. Before he was a martyr, he was one who cared deeply enough to ensure no one was overlooked.

May we do the same!