Reimagine Courage Through the Life of Stephenਨਮੂਨਾ

A Legacy That Outlasts Life

What kind of impact do you want your life to have beyond your time on earth? We all long to leave a lasting, positive legacy, but Stephen shows us that the most powerful legacies are often forged in moments when we choose faithfulness over comfort, truth over convenience, and love over revenge. Sometimes our greatest influence doesn’t come from our accomplishments, but from how we endure adversity.

Stephen’s final words were stunning: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:59, NIV) Even as stones crushed his body, Stephen’s heart remained full of faith and forgiveness. He trusted Jesus completely, and he loved his enemies to the end. But the story doesn’t end there.

Luke immediately introduces us to a young man named Saul, who not only witnessed Stephen’s death but also condoned his murder. Saul was part of the mob. Yet this same Saul would soon become Paul—the greatest missionary of the early church and author of much of the New Testament.

Many scholars believe Stephen’s bold witness and Christlike death planted a seed in Saul’s heart—one God would later grow into transformation. Saul may have walked away from Stephen’s execution unmoved, but the image of a man dying with such grace, conviction, and forgiveness likely haunted and shaped him. The very one who approved of Stephen’s death would eventually carry his message to the ends of the earth. Stephen’s greatest sermon may not have been the one he preached with words, but the one he preached with his death.

And there’s more. Stephen’s death triggered the first wave of persecution against the early church. Believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, forced out of Jerusalem—but instead of silencing the gospel, it spread it. The movement didn’t die with Stephen; it multiplied. The ministry of Philip in Samaria (which we explored in part one of this series) was a direct result of this scattering.

This is how the kingdom of God works: faithful witnesses never truly lose, even when it looks like they’ve been defeated. Their impact ripples out in ways they may never see—sometimes changing hearts, sometimes changing history. Stephen’s life reminds us that the legacy we leave isn’t measured only in success or visibility—it’s measured in faithfulness. When we stand firm on God’s truth, refuse to compromise, and respond to opposition with grace and courage, we leave a mark that can outlive us.

As we close this week’s journey with Stephen, we’re left with a powerful truth: the gospel is worth standing for. Truth is worth building on. And sometimes the most courageous act is simply holding firm when the world pushes hard.

Reflection Questions:

1. What kind of legacy do you want to leave through your response to challenges and opposition?
2. How can Stephen’s example of forgiveness and faith in his final moments inspire you?

Prayer:
God, help me live and stand for truth in a way that honors You and influences others for Your kingdom—even beyond my lifetime. Give me Stephen’s heart of forgiveness and faith. Amen.

As we finish part five of the Reimagine series, we pray Stephen’s bold witness challenged and encouraged you to stand firm in your faith—even when it’s costly. Join us for part six as we discover how Barnabas lived out the power of encouragement. And follow The Crossing on YouVersion for more devotionals designed to strengthen your faith.