Throughout his speech and the moments thereafter, Stephen spoke with clarity and love. Even when he was taken to be killed, he prayed for those who did him wrong. He followed in the footsteps of Jesus.

The reason for his faith and clarity of speech is his fullness of the Spirit (Acts 6:3, Acts 6:5, Acts 6:8; Acts 7:55). He understood God’s Word having carefully listened to the teaching of the apostles. He put God’s Word into practice, a true servant in the church community. He was recognized for his devotion to Christ and given the task of helping with the daily food distribution (Acts 6:1–7). When he visited his local Sanhedrin, he spoke to those from a Greek background, confessing Christ and sharing what he knew (Acts 6:8–15). Standing trial, he did not allow the Sanhedrin to intimidate him into silence but stood up to explain God’s truth. Facing death, he submitted in grace, praying for the good of others.

Stephen was a man who walked in God’s ways for a long period of time. The Spirit was at work in his heart and his life for many days to make him strong. Because he served God faithfully in more mundane tasks of life, he was able to do the same when faced with trial. And in that difficult moment, by God’s grace, he was further strengthened with a vision of Christ in his glory. A confirmation that his words have been heard by the King of kings. The Son of Man would confess his name before the Father even as Stephen had confessed him before men. 

This final vision encouraged him to die with confidence. Christ is the one who paid the penalty for sin and he was resurrected from the grave. Stephen can know for sure that his own death will be but a gateway to eternal life in the presence of Jesus (Acts 7:59). 

If we are to be bold and confident under trial, as Stephen was, then we must make it our aim to walk with God day by day. Obedience in small everyday tasks is the bedrock of obedience under pressure. If we are unwilling to be led by the Spirit in our day-to-day living, then we will not be willing to suffer and die for Christ if/when the time should come.