Vince Baker MinistriesGive

The Holy Spirit and the Anointing

How Did the Holy Spirit Give Stephen Wisdom and Courage?

Stephen was known as a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. The Spirit gave him wisdom in public dispute and courage as he testified about Jesus. His final prayer shows that courage and mercy can appear in the same moment.

Stephen speaks before a council in Jerusalem.

Published by Vince Baker Ministries ·

“And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.”

Acts 6:10 · KJV

What work brought Stephen into view?

A complaint arose because Greek-speaking widows were neglected in the daily distribution. The church selected seven people of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, for the work. Stephen’s public witness follows the appointment. Luke gives practical care for vulnerable people a place in the same story as signs and preaching.

What did the Spirit give Stephen under pressure?

Opponents could not resist the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke. In Acts 7 he sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. As he is killed, he commits his spirit to Jesus and prays for those attacking him. His words recall Jesus’ prayer for His enemies.

Pray for wisdom in an ordinary responsibility

Read Acts 6:1–10 and note whose need started the chapter. Ask God to show you someone overlooked in a group you serve. Take one step to make their need visible and address it.

Read the Scripture passages

A quote from Vince Baker

“Life is easy when you have the Holy Spirit.”

Vince Baker

Open this quote · More quotes on the Holy Spirit

Secret Place by Vince Baker · Book cover

Prayer and fellowship

Secret Place

Vince Baker explores what Scripture calls the secret place and how believers can cultivate personal fellowship with God through prayer.

Open Your Eyes by Vince Baker and Vasyl Pechko · Book cover

Discernment and spiritual sight

Open Your Eyes

This book explores identity in Christ, the authority of believers, and how renewing the mind can shape the way Christians understand and live out Jesus’ teachings.

Live online every Saturday

Bring your Bible this Saturday

In this interactive online Bible Study, Vince explores the words, miracles, and prophecies of Christ, what He accomplished on the cross, and how it all applies to your life. Come ready to grow in faith and have the eyes of your understanding opened.

Hosted by Vince Baker · Bible study details

Faith Secrets Saturday Bible study with Vince Baker Ministries

Weekly Start Times

  • 8 AMPacific
  • 10 AMCentral
  • 11 AMEastern

Get Saturday Bible Study Reminders

We’ll email you Friday at 5 PM and Saturday at 7:45 AM Pacific. Confirm your email to subscribe.

Unsubscribe anytime.

Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Was Stephen already an apostle?

Acts 6 identifies him as one of the seven chosen for the distribution. Luke distinguishes their appointment from the apostles’ role.

What did Stephen see just before his death?

Acts 7:55–56 says he saw God’s glory and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.