The physician Luke wrote, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen”, and in chapter six and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how the synagogue leaders, “were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke” where we read:
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.
The verse begins, “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit ...” Luke began with the words, “and they were not able to resist” which means “and the people in the synagogue who were examining Stephen were unable and incapable of withstanding and opposing” “the wisdom” or “the skill in the management of affairs” “and the spirit” which means “and the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, who is coequal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son”. Luke shared how the people who were questioning “Stephen” in the “synagogue” were incapable of “opposing” the “wisdom” and “Spirit of God” that was within him.
The verse goes on to say, “... by which he spoke.” Luke continued the words, “by which” which means “by whom” “he spoke” or “Stephen uttered, declared and proclaimed”. Luke shared how the people in the “synagogue” could not “resist” the words “Stephen” spoke by God's Holy Spirit.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the words spoken by “Stephen” were unable to be “opposed” because they were from “God's Spirit”. Jesus told His disciples, “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither do you premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak you: for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost.” (See Mark 13:11), and “Stephen” followed what Jesus said. Although “Stephen” was obeying Jesus and was filled with the “Spirit of God”, he continued to endure interrogation for his beliefs. God desires a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they face opposition, He promises to be with them and provide them with the answers they need.
Next time Luke shares how “suborned men” said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God”, 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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