Be Ready to Make a Defence of Your Faith
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | March 22 2025 | Acts 7:1-3
KEY VERSE: To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! ….” Acts 7:2 (NIV)
MESSAGE: In the previous verse, the High Priest invited Stephen to enter a defence of the charges brought against him. Without wasting time, Stephen opened his mouth and began to address the hostile “court” – the Sanhedrin. However, what Stephen said was not really a defence of himself. He wanted to proclaim the truth about Jesus Christ in a way the Sanhedrin could understand. His speech was by no means calculated to secure an acquittal by the Sanhedrin. Stephen was only earnestly contending for “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
Apostle Peter admonished the believers of his day in the following words: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU TO GIVE THE REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
Jesus Christ is looking up to us to be ready at all times to defend the faith— God's free salvation, which is by grace through faith in the finished work on the cross of Calvary.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you ready to witness to people and bring the lost to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Today, share your faith with someone and do not be afraid to defend the faith that the Lord has entrusted to the church.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me wisdom and boldness to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ before all people, regardless of their social status. Amen
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 81: Numbers 25-26 — The Sin of Peor and A New Census
DAILY word study: REPLIED The Greek word translated replied in Acts 7:2 is εἶπεν (eipen), from the verb λέγω (legō), meaning “to say, to speak, or to declare.” It conveys the idea of a thoughtful and purposeful response.
Stephen’s reply was intentional and purposeful. He addressed the council not with self-defence but with a bold presentation of truth. His words reflect the assurance promised in Luke 21:15—that God gives wisdom to His people in crucial moments.
Stephen’s readiness exemplifies 1 Peter 3:15—always be prepared to explain the hope you carry. His calm and bold posture reveals confidence anchored in Scripture and trust in God.
Reflection: When you’re called to speak for your faith, do your words reflect thoughtful readiness and spiritual confidence?
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