You can imagine the kind of things the Freedmen would post on their social media. We don't know who was in this group. They may have been enslaved people taken by the Romans, or descendants of enslaved people. What is certain is that they did not align with Stephen.
He had a reputation of being "full of grace and power" and for doing "great wonders and signs among the people." And when the Freedmen argued with him, they couldn't match his wisdom. They couldn't out-argue him.
So what did they do?
They didn't dig deeper or refine their thinking. They certainly didn't change their minds. Instead, Acts 6 says they "secretly instigated" others against Stephen.
You can see their pattern play out. It begins as a disagreement. Moves with some agitation. Then finishes with conspiracy. The Freedmen bear false witness against Stephen. They did not misunderstand what he was saying. Rather, they chose to manufacture lies about him, with deadly consequences. And doesn't that same pattern play out still today?
How much of what you'll read online today is half-truths stirring up full emotions? The reality is we're all capable of framing people as versions of themselves that fit our narrative, rather than engaging them as the people they are. We are way too quick to assume and to accuse.
This story in Acts helps us consider what happens within us when we are confronted by truth that can't be out-argued. Do we surrender or do we instigate?
The fruit of insecurity is always self-protective. It will fight to defend its version of reality, to preserve its image, and to get its way, even when it harms others or even itself. That's what the Freedmen group does. But the fruit of the Spirit helps us surrender to truth, let go of control for humility, and trust God's truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Stay blessed...john
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