Reflecting God's Glory While Under Attack
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 19 2025 | Acts 6:8-15
KEY VERSE: “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15 (NIV)
MESSAGE: Throughout history, God's faithful servants have faced persecution yet radiated His glory even in the midst of trials. Acts 6:15 describes Stephen, falsely accused and dragged before the Sanhedrin, yet displaying a supernatural radiance. His countenance reflected God’s presence, teaching us how believers can shine with God's glory even in times of adversity.
It is difficult to fathom how Stephen’s accusers felt when they saw him reflecting the glory of God like an angel. Driven by hate and jealousy, his accusers incited false witnesses against him. But when they looked at the man they sought to condemn, they saw something unexpected: "...his face became as bright as an angel's." Stephen's demeanour was testimony enough, even without the words he would speak later. God showed his approval in a gloriously powerful way. Truth prevails, even when earthly power is misused by those who oppose it!
Stephen’s glowing face was not a mere human response to injustice but a visible mark of God’s presence. Just as Moses’ face shone after encountering God (Exodus 34:29), Stephen’s radiance testified that he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Stephen’s trial was unjust, yet he responded with Christ-like peace and unwavering faith. Jesus Himself, when falsely accused, remained steadfast, fully committed to God’s will. When we face opposition, our response should reflect Jesus' character, turning persecution into a testimony of God’s grace.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How do you respond when faced with opposition to your faith? Like Stephen, we are called to reflect God’s glory, even in the face of attack. By staying close to God, responding with Christ-like peace, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we become beacons of His presence, even in the midst of adversity.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to reflect Your glory even in difficult times. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may respond with wisdom, peace, and grace. May my life be a testimony of Your power and love, even when I face opposition. In Jesus' name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: FACE The Greek word for face in Acts 6:15 is πρόσωπον (prosōpon), meaning the appearance, countenance, or presence of a person. It often signifies a visible reflection of inward reality.
Stephen’s face shining like an angel’s mirrored Moses’ experience in Exodus 34:29, where Moses’ face glowed after encountering God. This radiance wasn’t from human effort but was a mark of God’s presence.
Throughout Scripture, the face is linked to divine favour and identity:
Psalm 34:5—“Those who look to Him are radiant.”
Matthew 17:2—Jesus’ face shone at the Transfiguration.
Stephen’s radiance testified that he was fully surrendered to God, even in suffering. His peaceful and illuminated countenance contrasted with the hostility of his accusers.
Reflection:
Does your demeanour reflect God’s presence? When facing pressure, let your countenance reveal the peace of Christ.
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