“But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke” (Acts 6:10).
In the history of the early Church as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts a considerable amount of space is given to Stephen, one of the seven chosen to wait on tables in Acts 6. The entire seventh chapter of Acts relates the story of his testimony before the Sanhedrin that resulted in his martyrdom.
Speaking publicly can be a stressful experience at its best. When the issue is life or death the emotional pressure would be even greater. Before giving us Stephen’s speech Luke prepares us for it by calling it irresistible wisdom. Then he gives us the summation of what Stephen said. Stephen’s sermon is a careful recitation of Israel’s history as found in Scripture. He wasn’t giving his own wisdom and ideas; he was recalling Scripture and then applying it to his audience.
Each of us needs wisdom, especially when we are faced with pressure. How do we find it? We find wisdom in God’s Word. We don’t have to face difficult challenges on our own. Scripture helps us think clearly when we need to find the right words to say. One of the reasons Stephen spoke God’s Word so clearly is that he had obviously made himself familiar with it.
Reading and studying God’s Word prepares us for those times when we need wisdom. When it is in our hearts and the emotional pressure is on, God can bring its truth to mind. When he does that the world sees it as unassailable wisdom.
