And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
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John Chrysostom
AD 407
For it is possible to have a grace that does not consist in works of healing: For to one is given the grace of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:8-9 in such and such wise (τοιὣσδε). But here, it seems to me, it says that he was also gracious to look at: They saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
See how even among the seven one was preëminent, and won the first prize. For though the ordination was common to him and them, yet he drew upon himself greater grace. And observe, how he wrought no (signs and wonders) before this time, but only when he became publicly known; to show that grace alone is not sufficient, but there must be ordination also; so that there was a further access of the Spirit. For if they were full of the Spirit, it was of that which is from the Laver of Baptism. Then there arose certain of them of the synagogue.
See how even among the seven one was preëminent, and won the first prize. For though the ordination was common to him and them, yet he drew upon himself greater grace. And observe, how he wrought no (signs and wonders) before this time, but only when he became publicly known; to show that grace alone is not sufficient, but there must be ordination also; so that there was a further access of the Spirit. For if they were full of the Spirit, it was of that which is from the Laver of Baptism.
See how even among the seven one was pre?minent, and won the first prize. For though the ordination was common to him and them, yet he drew upon himself greater grace. And observe, how he wrought no (signs and wonders) before this time, but only when he became publicly known; to show that grace alone is not sufficient, but there must be ordination also; so that there was a further access of the Spirit. For if they were full of the Spirit, it was of that which is from the Laver of Baptism. "Then there arose certain of them of the synagogue." (v. 9.) Again he uses the phrase of "rising up" (anastasin, Hom. xiii. p. 81), to denote their exasperation and wrath. Here we have a great multitude. And observe the difference in the form of accusation: for since Gamaliel had stopped them from finding fault on the former plea, they bring in another charge. "And there rose up, it says, certain of them of the synagogue of those who are called (thon legomenon. Edd. thes legomenes) Libertines, and of ...
Whence, I pray you, did that grace bloom upon the countenance of Stephen? (Recapitulation.) The writer gives him this report above, that he was full of faith. Acts 6:8. For it is possible to have a grace that does not consist in works of healing: For to one is given the grace of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:8-9 in such and such wise (τοιὣσδε). But here, it seems to me, it says that he was also gracious to look at: They saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
