Ordinary People

This week in our New Testament class we talked a lot about the martyrdom of Stephen, in Acts chapters 6 and 7. As we discussed the story of Stephen, I was surprised that I had not really noticed him before, or if I had I didn't give him much thought. Stephen was called as sort of an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, or a local leader over the Church, but what is distinctive about him is that when Luke mentions the calling of the seven assistants or local leaders, he is the only one given an epithet: "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost." Similar words are used to describe him later as well. We can also tell that he was a man of great faith and strong testimony, since he saw a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ as he was being martyred.

The other six assistants are given names only, except for one who is designated as a "proselyte of Antioch." However, a critical reading of the text shows that these men were also very strong in the faith. For example, immediately after they are set apart it is recorded that “the word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (and by “obedient to the faith” I presume we can infer that they were also great spiritual anchors). Also there is the example of Philip, who is only named, and apparently almost overlooked, but later we read that he had four daughters who could prophesy—by which we can learn that Philip himself was also a powerful example of righteousness.

So my point in all this is that not only the notable and great figures can be spiritually powerful, and have great influence on the testimonies of those around them. I would hardly be recognized outside my own ward, but even so, if I strive to serve the Lord the best I can, the Lord can magnify me and through me He can do great things, even if they appear small to the understanding of men.

Spiritual Power

I wanted to start by commenting on the incredible spiritual power demonstrated by the leaders of the Church during the early days of its existence, shortly after Christ had been resurrected and ascended into heaven. First we have Peter, the chief apostle, the quintessential role model of a man of God. Acts 5:15 says that he had such faith, and he was such a powerful minister that others could have such faith, that people were healed in some cases simply by his shadow passing over them. In addition the chapters before and after that show clearly how he was able to preach the gospel with the Spirit, with such power and authority that thousands of people were baptized in many cities and towns throughout Palestine.

But Peter isn't the only one who demonstrated immense spiritual power. Stephen, one of the seven called to administer over the temporal needs of the Church, is introduced as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:5). Three verses later it says "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." Even as he is surrounded by enemies, stoning and killing him, he still has the faith and trust in the Lord that he can say "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." He had just seen God the Father and Jesus Christ in vision, and rather than squelching his vision, his killers opened it further and landed him there in Their presence.

The lesson in these examples, I believe, is that we too are capable of such faith and power and divine aid. In his last sermon, Stephen taught about how different people from the scriptures passed or failed their trials of faith, and the marvelous results of passing our trials. I think that the reason these stories were included in the Bible is to show us that if we pass our trials of faith, remaining true to the gospel and to the Savior, we become instruments in His hands capable of marvelous things for the benefit of all people.