As Stephen stood before the high council to defend himself against false charges his face had the glow of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6: 15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s. [1] The council members knew Moses had a shining face when he came down the mountain.
Exodus 34: 29 When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. 30 So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him. [2]
The very glow on Stephen’s face gave witness that he was a servant of God. Stephen had been in the presence of God just like Moses. God was telling anyone who would listen that Stephen was not against Moses, but a faithful servant like Moses.
The Story of Their History
To defend himself, Stephen recounted the history of God and His people (Acts 7:1-50). It should have been evident that Stephen spoke by the Spirit of wisdom, faith, grace, and power as the glory of God shone through his face.
Acts 7: 51 You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! 52 Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. 53 You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels. [3]
The council repeated their history as they refused to listen to Stephen, just as their ancestors had refused to listen to the prophets. They looked down to what they desired instead of looking up to God for His will. And true to form, they had killed the prophets and Jesus and now would murder Stephen.
Reflecting the Light of Christ
We may not have glowing faces like Moses or Stephen, but as we walk in faith, our faces should reflect the joy and peace that comes from following Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4: 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. [4]
Jesus is the light, and we reflect that light just as the moon reflects sunlight. Matthew 5: 14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [5] To learn about the glow of the Holy Spirit, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stephen
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.