Stephen was a man chosen because of his fullness of grace and power. He did great wonders and signs among the people. He spoke with wisdom and was obviously under the power of the Holy Spirit (see 6:10). The adversaries interrogated him and falsely accused him of blasphemy. It was in this trial that Stephen stood up with boldness and spoke his convictions. His testimony cost him his life. One’s baptism is a public testimony of our beliefs to all who can hear, perhaps even our enemies. Let us stand upon the shoulders of saints like Stephen as we proclaim our baptism. Can our lives as Christians be a continuation of our baptism? Standing for justice and for what is right no matter what the cost? Perhaps obedience in our baptism will bring persecution. But what God is after is our willingness to suffer. Our baptism is then characterized with a willing heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7).  I think that's what God is really after -- believers who are sold out to Jesus no matter what!  Blessings, Pastor Bob