Connections: "The Witness Testifies"          May 03, 2026

Picture Stephen, standing before a crowd that hates his every word. He is angry too, and he turns their Scriptures against them, reminding them of the familiar stories and putting them in the role of “betrayers and murderers” (v. 52). His speech wins no followers. His passion convinces no skeptics. His accusations convict no sinners.

Stephen recalls the work of leaders of the faith like Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon and rails against his listeners, who are “stiff-necked” and reject the “Righteous One,” “forever opposing the Holy Spirit” (vv. 51-52). These are hard words to hear. No one enjoys being called out for their sins. And the guilty often have the harshest reactions.

Stephen’s anger incites the people’s anger to the point that they “covered their ears” and refuse to hear him any longer (v. 57). Unable to tolerate the truth of their own actions, they decide to silence the truth with violent murder. Amazingly, Stephen’s anger dissipates as he suffers. He clings to the vision of God and Jesus and even asks God to forgive his killers (vv. 55, 60).

The writer offers a bit of hope here. Maybe Stephen’s words moved someone. Maybe he couldn’t change the crowd, but his truth found its way into a single heart. Maybe his senseless death—and the way he faced it—became an example that empowered a new leader for Christ. After all, the writer notes, “the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul” (v. 58).

• Stephen’s story is at once tragic and heroic, devastating and inspiring. What kind of person does it take to be this courageous—to speak truth in the face of death?
• What examples from history or modern times can you think of when people have dared to speak the truth in spite of great personal risk?
• At first, it seems like Stephen’s impassioned speech only incites murderous anger. How do we find the will to persevere when our faithful actions don’t get good results?
• All seems hopeless and lost until we read verse 58. There, a familiar name stands out. We know who Saul becomes, and we can be certain that Stephen’s witness has something to do with it. When has unexpected fruit resulted from persistent faithful behavior—even long afterward?
• What practical steps can you take to cultivate courage like Stephen’s?

Kelley Land, a graduate of Mercer University (BA in English, 2000), has worked as an editor of Smyth & Helwys curriculum and books since 2001. In addition, she is a freelance editor for other publishers and authors. She also serves on the board of directors at Macon Little Theatre. Kelley enjoys spending time with her young adult daughters, Samantha and Natalie, her husband John, and the family’s two dachshund mix pups, Luke and Leia. She is often found playing board games with a group of rowdy friends. She loves author Louise Penny’s Three Pines mystery series and the TV show Doctor Who.