25.06.2026 | Что помогает верующему устоять в испытаниях? | Деяния 6:8-15

Kairos TV is an online ministry of Pastor Kim Sam-sung, dedicated to strengthening "Daily Family Worship" and "Weekly Small Group Worship" for Christians worldwide. Sermon Series: The Acts of the Apostles What helps a believer endure trials? Acts 6:8-15 The beginning of chapter 6 tells us that the church faced an internal conflict and found a wise solution. Seven leaders were chosen, among whom Stephen occupied a special place. Stephen performed miracles, preached Christ, and quickly became surrounded by opponents. He was challenged, then slandered, false witnesses were brought forward, and he was brought before the Sanhedrin. But amid all this pressure, we see no fear, panic, or compromise. What helped Stephen endure? 1. Stephen lived under God's grace (v. 8) The original text reads, "Now Stephen, full of God's grace and power..." It all begins with God's grace. We often understand grace only as forgiveness of sins and salvation. But in the book of Acts, grace is God's action in a person's life. It is the help, support, and strength that God gives to His children. Stephen wasn't a special person; his strength lay in the fact that God worked through him. When a person relies on God, they find strength even where human capabilities end. • Grace comes from God. The word "charis" itself means a gift, favor, unmerited mercy. • Grace works through the Holy Spirit: v. 3: "Choose ye... filled with the Holy Spirit..." v. 5: "Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." v. 8: "Full of grace and power." The filling of the Holy Spirit results in a person's life becoming filled with God's grace and power. • Grace grows in a person who lives with God. Luke writes of Jesus in almost identical words: "...the grace of God was upon Him." (Luke 2:40) "...and they were all amazed at the gracious words..." (Luke 4:22) Of course, Christ is the source of grace, and Stephen is the man through whom this grace acted. In Acts 6:1-7, Stephen had just been chosen for ministry; previously, he was unknown. But only a short time passes, and it is written of him: "full of grace and power." It seems that Luke is trying to demonstrate a very important spiritual principle: when a person humbly responds to God's calling and begins to serve faithfully, God gives them grace for that ministry. God calls → a person is obedient → God gives grace → God's power begins to operate through that person. Stephen was full of grace because God was at work in his life. He was open to the Holy Spirit, faithful in his entrusted service, and therefore God's grace flowed freely through him. 2. Stephen Spoke with God's Wisdom (vv. 9-10) When Stephen began to testify about Christ, educated men from various synagogues opposed him. But they "could not resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke." They weren't simply arguing with Stephen; they were confronting the wisdom God gave him. In chapter 7, we'll see how deeply Stephen understood God's plan and Scripture. Jesus once warned His disciples: "Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom that all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist." Luke 21:14-15. This word is at work in the lives of those who move in God's will. When pressure arises, emotion, experience, or self-confidence are not enough. God's wisdom is needed to correctly perceive what is happening and respond appropriately. Many crumble under trials because they view the situation through human eyes. But a person who receives wisdom from God begins to see circumstances differently. 3. Stephen dwelt in God's presence (vv. 11-15) Realizing that it is impossible to defeat Stephen honestly, his opponents resort to lies—false witnesses accuse him of blasphemy against Moses and the temple. The situation becomes extremely dangerous. But Luke doesn't describe Stephen's defense; he draws our attention to his face: "And all who sat in the Sanhedrin looked at him and saw his face as the face of an angel." Instead of fear, those around him see peace and calm. Because Stephen is more focused on God than on his accusers. • Trials reveal who we truly are. • When a person lives in God's presence on ordinary days, this becomes evident even on the most difficult days. • What you fill yourself with today will determine your life in the future during trials. Stephen found himself in the center of confrontation not because he was looking for conflict. He was simply faithful to God. And when the trial came, it became clear what his life was built on: He lived under God's grace. He spoke with God's wisdom. He dwelt in God's presence. So, it is important for us to rely on God's grace daily and fill our lives with God's presence today.