The Greatest Christian You Can’t Name

In the New Testament, there are two words for “crown.” The first is diadema, from which we get the word “diadem.” This word means a royal crown.

The second word for “crown” is the word stephanos, from which we get the name “Stephen.” This word describes a victor’s crown. Warren Wiersbe said that “You can inherit a diadema, but the only way to get a stephanos is to earn it.”

Stephen was the first Christian martyr. He certainly earned his crown, and he fulfilled his given name. Jesus said: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

We usually forget about Stephen in the great roll call of the saints. He certainly seems to be the greatest Christian most believers can’t name.

What made Stephen so great?

First, he was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. When the church suffered difficulty, they called on Stephen and six others to overcome the problems of the church. Of the seven, Stephen received special mention. Stephen was known to be full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5).

Both attributes are vital to our relationship with God. After all, “Without faith, it is impossible to please [God]” (Hebrews 11:6), and we are commanded to “be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). To be full of faith is to believe God in all things and to be filled with the Spirit is to obey God in all things. Being filled with the Spirit additionally means to overflow with the things of God.

Second, Stephen was a man of service. He blessed the church by taking on a menial task which helped the Gospel “explode” over the known world. God uses humble people of service.

Third, Stephen proclaimed the message of God (Acts 7:2-53, you would do well to read Stephen’s sermon before the council that brought about his martyrdom). Stephen both served behind the scenes and publicly proclaimed–two attributes which are not easily found together. The message of Stephen resulted in his death (Acts 7:54-8:1).

Notice that Paul,the greatest preacher, theologian, and missionary of the Christian church, came from the death of Stephen. Paul never got over the witness of Stephen (Acts 22: 17-21). The blood of the martyrs is indeed the seed of the church.

Finally, Stephen died for Christ. Before they stoned him, Stephen “full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God , and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55).

Jesus, when He completed His work on earth, sat down because His work was finished. Now, in this passage Stephen saw Him standing. Was our Lord standing to welcome His good and faithful servant who then received his crown (stephanos)?

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

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6 Responses

  1. There are two others I’d suggest that, although they are not household names, have greatly influended the gospel’s spread: Mordecai Ham, who led Billy Graham to Christ, and Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, the organization that produced the “Jesus” film which has been translated into countless languages, bringing the message of the cross to millions around the globe.

    1. The wonderful news is that there are millions of people through the centuries who have heard “well done, good and faithful servant.” I thank God for all of these.

  2. A survey of the description by Paul of the composition of the intended design of the Body of Christ in His Bride leads me to believe Paul’s prayer and work was to make it (The Bride of Christ) aware that such events as Stephen’s did not have to be repeated. That it was not God who brought the spirit of fear that scattered God’s People. God takes us in our sin and continues to turn death (sin) into Victory (Life). There is no reason for anyone to glory in abdicating our responsibility for not showing up to confront evil. So many lessons remained unlearned in favor of the broad path.

    I am remembering the account of how “your problem” in achieving this Blog became the problem of others who encouraged, directed and facilitated this mission of yours. A good example of “My Problem” being met with God’s design in action.

    Shall we sin that Grace my more abound? God Forbid!

    Yes, the Lord welcomed His servant. Good observation! A good question for us all to answer.

  3. this is probably not the right e-mail i should be writing on.

    i have always had on my heart outreach ministry. i would love to see fbc have a bus to pick people up on a sunday morning and take them to church, me included.

    i have mentioned this subject in the past years ago at a youth meeting and i was told that this parish is very rich, we do not need an outreach ministry. this parish has cars.

    it has nothing to do with having cars. it has to do with saving souls.
    i have post-polio and slowly by slowly i am getting weaker and weaker. i am sure that they are other seniors and the teenagers would only be reach by a school bus or van picking them up at certain locations on the corners of streets.

    i would not mine showing the younger people how to do it.
    the seniors would have to be picked up in front of their homes.

    love you in CHRIST, sister debbie.

  4. Debbie,

    I have a few thought to share with you and our leadership:

    Passive income allows people to do things, meet needs, that are not possible for most who have to earn their daily bread. It is in this area of the Body you may search for those able to commit to such a ministry. It takes quite a commitment, a Calling, to show up on a timely basis after the hurtles of supplying a vehicle, insurance, maintenance and a host of other issues that come under the heading of “overhead” are met. Interestingly enough, it is all too often, the weakest financially are the ones who do the most.

    Praying and sharing your prayer is the first step. Perhaps getting a network map of other Christians who are willing to pick up neighbors on the way to Church is a way to expand both the Witness and the Discipleship we are all “Called” to live. This idea may be shared by you with our leadership. It is a “Ministry.” I have found that the most successful ministries are lay led with Pastoral oversight. Make your idea into a plan.

    Thank you for the courage to share your burden. Getting old, I often remind myself, is not for sissies. I have gotten a smile from my Mom many times when she complains and I respond with that comment, as I look at the man in the mirror. I often wonder why it has to be that Christ is revealed in our weaknesses. Evidently it is just one of those defining facts of character. Thank you for showing up!

    Blessings.

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