When Believers Stand Firm: Lessons from Spurgeon and Stephen

 “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” (NIV)

Acts 6:8-10

Dear Friends,

History proves that persecution follows God’s people. Believers who remain faithful to their calling and speak boldly in defense of the gospel almost always encounter conflict. This is not something to fear, but something to expect. After all, if Jesus suffered persecution, then His true disciples, those who stand firm in the truth, will too.

When Standing for Truth Comes at a High Cost

Recently, I’ve been reading a biography about the wife of a well-known 19th-century pastor. Susannah Spurgeon faithfully labored alongside and supported her husband, Charles H. Spurgeon, for 36 years. In Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, author Ray Rhodes Jr. recounts a deeply upsetting conflict that arose because Charles refused to compromise the truth. Many believe the stress and repercussions of this conflict hastened his early death.

The Downgrade Controversy and Spurgeon’s Refusal to Compromise

The dispute, later known as the Downgrade Controversy, erupted after Spurgeon published several articles in his magazine, The Sword and the Trowel. He was alarmed that many ministers of his day were adopting a skeptical approach to Scripture. These views diminished the Bible’s authority and led to false teaching about the inspiration of Scripture, the total depravity of humanity, the substitutionary atonement of Christ, and the reality of heaven and hell.

Spurgeon feared that these doctrinal errors would lead congregants away from gospel truth and toward apostasy. He proposed that the Baptist Union, of which he was a member, adopt a binding statement of faith that would clearly define the gospel and provide grounds for removing ministers who were, in his words, “teaching deadly error.”

The Persecution of Believers for Standing for Truth

Sadly, most members of the Baptist Union dismissed Spurgeon’s concerns. As a result, he withdrew from the fellowship. This separation cost him close friendships and vital support, and the grief from these losses is widely believed to have contributed to his rapid physical decline. Spurgeon died only a few years later, at the age of 57.

Stephen: A Faithful Witness Under Fire

Spurgeon’s stand for truth, and the persecution that followed, was nothing new. Early in the book of Acts, we encounter another faithful servant of God facing opposition for his beliefs. Stephen, one of the first deacons, was a man full of God’s grace and power, performing great wonders among the people. Yet despite his godly life, he suffered fierce persecution that ultimately led to his death.

A group of men, enraged by Stephen’s preaching, argued with him about his message. No matter how hard they tried, they could not stand against his wisdom, because it was empowered by the Spirit.

Rather than submitting to the truth, his opponents secretly recruited false witnesses to stir up the crowd. They slandered Stephen and falsely accused him – an approach chillingly similar to how Jesus Himself was condemned.

Through it all, Stephen stood firm, and God stood with him. As Stephen addressed the council, the judges noticed something extraordinary: his face shone like that of an angel.

What Scripture Teaches Us About Suffering for Christ

Throughout history, Christians like Stephen and Spurgeon, have endured the persecution of believers for standing for truth. Scripture reminds us not to be surprised when this happens, as though something strange were occurring. Instead, Peter exhorts us to rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ, knowing that faithfulness often comes at a cost – and that cost is never wasted in God’s hands.

If you are facing opposition for standing on God’s truth, take heart- you are not alone. Ask the Lord for courage, wisdom, and endurance, and commit yourself afresh to faithfulness, no matter the cost.

Love,

Mama

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