I’m getting a little ahead of myself but that is what happened to the most prominent deacon proto-type of Acts 6.  Stephen’s work went beyond administration, he became a Spirit-empowered apologist of the Jewish-Christian connection.  He was fearless in debate.  Like Jesus, Stephen walked people into a “truth corner” that they could not get out of, unless they came out swinging.   Swinging they did!  Well, technically they were throwing stones but you get my point.  Over the next few weeks we are going to study Stephen’s defense and accusation.  It’s the longest of any of the speeches in the Book of Acts—53 verses.  It is an amazing summary of the history of God’s people; make sure you have the whole Bible with you!  However, this is no filibuster; there is a subtle theme underneath the surface that is finally brought home with force.  Stephen could have walked away from this conflict but he believed the greater call was the call to truth.  Our theme for this coming week is the character of Stephen and how it reflected his Master.  We may not have the gift of miracles but we can all be people full of faith and of the Spirit.  We may not be called to stand in front of the Sanhedrin but we are all called to grow in faith, in the fullness of the Spirit and as witnesses to the power and saving grace of Jesus.