The physician Luke wrote how, “ the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith”, and in chapter six and verse eight of the book of Acts Luke shared about, “Stephen, full of faith and power” where we read:
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
The verse begins, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, ...” Luke began with the words, “and Stephen” which refers to “the deacon chosen whose name was Stephen which means crowned”, “full of faith” “filled up and thoroughly permeated with belief, trust and confidence” “and power” or “and strength, might and ability”. Luke referred to “Stephen” who was “filled” with “belief, trust, strength and ability”.
The verse goes on to say, “... did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Luke continued with the words, “did great wonders” which means “performed, made ready and produced numerous, abundant and exceedingly powerful portents and omens” “and miracles” or “and supernatural works, signs, marks and tokens” “among the people” which means “in the company of the male and female human beings”. Luke shared how “Stephen” performed “wonders and miracles” in the company of the people.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we discover how “Stephen” was chosen as a “deacon”, but was able to perform supernatural works “among the people”. “Stephen” believed and trusted in Jesus, and He was endued with “power” from on High to do miraculous things like the “apostles”. God will use people who put their faith and trust in His Son Jesus as their “Lord and Savior”, and when He has forgiven their sins and promised them eternal life, He will give them a function in His Kingdom. Let all who read these words yield themselves to Jesus and allow the Lord to use them in supernatural ways.
Next time Luke shares how, “there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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