Read Acts 6:10 slowly. Men from several synagogues are arguing with Stephen, and Luke says “they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” Now turn back to Luke 21. Before the cross, Jesus told his disciples they’d be dragged in front of synagogues and rulers, and that it would be their “opportunity to bear witness.” Then he promised, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” Same promise, same word. And here it is, kept, in a man who isn’t even an apostle. The risen Jesus is doing exactly what he said he’d do. But keep reading Luke 21, because Jesus also said, “some of you they will put to death.” He promised a mouth and wisdom, not safety. Stephen dies in chapter 7. But first he looks up and sees “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
