A Life Transformed

“All who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”—Acts 6:15 NKJV

Stephen faced an angry mob intent on silencing him. They felt his message violated their beliefs. It was a message they felt was harmful and threatened their relationship with Rome.

They took steps to silence him, but no one could wipe away the look on his face. His face was so transformed that it looked like the face of an angel. He had a kind of mesmerizing presence.

Years after this event as Luke gathered words that would become the book of Acts, he must have spoken to witnesses of the stoning of Stephen, which included Paul. The Bible gives us no account of Stephen’s wardrobe or his physical attributes. But these witnesses remembered the look on his face. That was the impact it had on their lives.

The Gospel changes our lives. People should be able to see the genuineness of our faith and the real power of God. This kind of transformation should be visible and real. It should be seen in our eyes, our smile, our countenance, our demeanor.

Others may disagree with us, but there are no arguments against a life that has been transformed by the power of God. This look may do more to convince others of our genuineness than anything we might say or do. Ask God to transform your life so that others can see the reality of His presence and want to know Him.

Reflection Question: What would others say about your life’s witness?