Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

2. from memory, he could recount the history of his nation and comment upon it3. that is the kind of critical knowledge we need to gain through study (Second Timothy 2:15-16)4. we need to be ready, because opportunities and challenges like Stephen’s often come withoutwarning (First Peter 3:14-16)D. Boldness1. hear the much later prayer of one of the men who held the coats of the people who threw the fatalrocks at Stephen’s angelic visage (Ephesians 6:17-20)2. he wanted to preach Christ just as boldly as he had seen Stephen preach him3. can we aspire to be bold enough to tell sinners that they are in sin?a. Nathan could tell David the adulterer and murderer that he was the manb. Peter could tell the Pentecost audience that they had killed God’s son on the cross4. can we still use words like sin and still challenge people to repent? (Second Timothy 2:24-26)E. Forgiving1. it is hard to imagine bleeding under a barrage of rocks and all that you can think to say is,“Father, forgive them and do not charge them with this offense.”2. this is the crime victim refusing to press charges even though the state may do so on its own, forif these persecutors never repented, even Stephen’s plea would not save them3. Stephen was this willing to forgive because he was filled with the character of Christ who diedwith the same attitude4. our willingness to forgive is more likely to be tested by minor offenses and thoughtless insults,but are we like Stephen or not? (Colossians 3:12-14)ConclusionStephen is remarkable not just for being martyred, but also for the reasons behind it. His character andboldness should be an example to all of us.Character Studies! 93