Acts 6:8 – “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”

Extended Explanation

This verse introduces Stephen as a key figure in the early church. Previously, Stephen was chosen as one of the seven men to help distribute food fairly among the widows (Acts 6:5-6). But this verse reveals that Stephen was more than just a servant—he was a powerful witness for Christ.

Luke, the writer of Acts, describes Stephen as “full of God’s grace and power.” This means that Stephen was deeply connected to God and lived in His strength. Grace refers to God’s favor in his life, enabling him to serve humbly. Power refers to the Holy Spirit working through him, allowing him to perform miracles.

Stephen’s “wonders and signs” were similar to the miracles performed by the apostles (Acts 2:43, Acts 5:12). This shows that God’s power was not limited to the original twelve apostles—He was working through ordinary believers as well. Stephen was not an apostle, yet God used him to do amazing things.

Historical Context

At this point in history, the early church was growing rapidly. Thousands had come to faith in Jesus (Acts 6:7), and even some Jewish priests were becoming Christians. However, opposition from Jewish religious leaders was also increasing.

Stephen’s miracles would have been seen as a direct challenge to the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Miracles were often viewed as proof of God’s approval, and for Stephen to perform them meant that God was working through the followers of Jesus. This angered the Jewish authorities, leading to fierce opposition against Stephen (Acts 6:9-10).

This verse sets the stage for Stephen’s bold defense of the gospel in the next chapter (Acts 7). He would soon become the first Christian martyr, but his faithfulness helped spread Christianity even further.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some important spiritual lessons:

1. God’s power is not limited to a select few. Stephen was not an apostle, yet God used him to perform miracles. This shows that any believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit can be used mightily by God.
2. Grace and power go together. Stephen’s strength did not come from himself but from God’s grace working in him. This reminds us that true spiritual power is not about personal ability, but about being surrendered to God.
3. Faithfulness in small things leads to greater impact. Stephen started by serving tables (Acts 6:5), but because he was faithful, God used him in even greater ways. God often calls people to serve in small ways before entrusting them with bigger responsibilities.
4. Signs and wonders confirm God’s message. Just as miracles confirmed the truth of Jesus’ ministry, Stephen’s miracles confirmed that the gospel message was from God.

Literary Analysis

Acts 6:8 serves as a transition verse, shifting the focus from the church’s internal growth to the rising external opposition. Up until this point, persecution had been directed mainly at the apostles. But now, other believers like Stephen were stepping forward with boldness, showing that the Holy Spirit was working through more than just the twelve.

The phrase “full of God’s grace and power” is significant. The word “full” implies that Stephen was not just occasionally touched by God’s presence—his whole life was marked by it. Luke often uses the idea of being “full of” the Spirit (Acts 4:31) to describe people who were completely surrendered to God.

The mention of “wonders and signs” is also intentional. Luke had previously used this phrase to describe the miracles of Jesus (Acts 2:22) and the apostles (Acts 5:12). By applying it to Stephen, Luke is showing that the same power that worked through Jesus and the apostles was now working through ordinary believers.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 14:12 – “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (Jesus promised that His followers would perform miracles through the Holy Spirit.)
• Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Stephen’s power came from the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised.)
• Acts 4:31 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Boldness and power come from being filled with the Spirit.)
• 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another miraculous powers.” (God gives spiritual gifts to different believers.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God can use anyone who is fully surrendered to Him.

1. God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Stephen was not a preacher, but he was a willing servant. If we allow God to work in our lives, He can use us in ways we never imagined.
2. We should seek to be “full of grace and power.” Stephen was completely devoted to God. We should pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that our lives reflect God’s grace and strength.
3. Serving others prepares us for greater ministry. Stephen started by helping with food distribution, and God later used him to perform miracles. Faithfulness in small tasks prepares us for bigger assignments.
4. We should expect opposition when we live boldly for Christ. Just as Stephen faced resistance for standing up for Jesus, we too may experience pushback. But like Stephen, we must remain faithful.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He empowers and equips His people. He does not leave us to serve Him in our own strength. Instead, He fills us with His Spirit so that we can accomplish His work.

This verse also shows that God delights in using people who are willing to serve. Stephen was not seeking recognition, but God lifted him up because of his faithfulness. This is a reminder that God honors those who are devoted to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Stephen’s life and ministry closely resemble Jesus’ in many ways:

• Stephen was full of grace and power – Jesus was also described as being “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
• Stephen performed miracles – Just as Jesus’ miracles confirmed His message, Stephen’s miracles confirmed the gospel.
• Stephen boldly proclaimed the truth – Jesus also preached boldly, even in the face of opposition.
• Stephen was persecuted and killed for his faith – Like Jesus, Stephen was falsely accused and executed, yet he remained faithful to the end (Acts 7:59-60).

Stephen’s story shows that following Jesus means living and serving like Him, even when it costs us everything.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be “full of God’s grace and power”? How can we seek this in our own lives?
2. Stephen started by serving in small ways before being used in bigger ways. How does this challenge your view of service in the church?
3. Have you ever faced opposition for your faith? How did you respond?
4. How does Stephen’s boldness inspire you to be a stronger witness for Jesus?
5. What steps can you take to be more filled with the Holy Spirit and available for God’s work?

This verse reminds us that God is looking for faithful, Spirit-filled believers who are willing to serve. Whether through miracles, teaching, or simple acts of service, He will use those who are surrendered to Him.