Why do the enemies of the Church always lie about us? These days, when Christians call for mercy on the unborn we are often called sexists, even though it is the Christian faith that is responsible for most of the advances in women’s rights that have occurred throughout human history. When we insist that only the Christian religion is true, we are called racists, even though our faith teaches us to welcome and embrace people of every tribe and tongue and even though the Church is currently present and active in every nation around the globe.

But such lies are nothing new. After all, Jesus was arrested by the religious leaders because people lied and said He was going to tear down the Temple in three days (Matthew 26:60-61). Stephen’s enemies lied when they said that he spoke against the Temple and the Law of Moses (Acts 6:14). And even though he carefully explained his position in Acts chapter 7, pointing to his accusers as the true enemies of God (Acts 7:51), the religious leaders refused to believe him.

Instead, because they couldn’t refute what he said, they threw rocks at him until he died (Acts 7:58-60), in much the same way that they had crucified Jesus. And the opponents of Jesus still try to use force to make everyone believe their lies. Islam has made it illegal to preach the Christian faith in many parts of the world, and the communist regime in China continues to jail Christians and tear down their sanctuaries.

So, how should Christians respond to such lies and threats? Acts 6:10 says that Stephen opposed lies with wisdom. Far from trying to discredit the Law of Moses, all of Acts chapter 7 indicates how Stephen used his extensive knowledge of the Scriptures to justify his faith in Christ. He spoke the truth in the face of lies, and we must do nothing less.

But what about the persecution that often comes to those who speak the truth? Just as the Holy Spirit gave Stephen the power to speak the truth (Acts 6:10), even making his face like that of an angel (Acts 6:15), we must rely on the same Spirit to give us strength to endure whatever force the world might direct against us. But just as Stephen followed Jesus’ example in forgiving his killers (Acts 7:60), we must also speak the truth only in love, in genuine concern for the welfare even of those who are most filled with hate for us. For that’s the only way we can truly show the grace and power and truth that were so obvious in the life of Stephen – and of Jesus.

Acts 7:55-60 (NASB)

55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;
56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse.
58 And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
60 And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.