A very special man - or?

NORSK
Every time I read about Stephen I am impressed by his faith and his courage, and it is easy to draw the conclusion that he was a very special man. I am convinced that it is not wrong to think so, but at the same time it's important to realize that he was an ordinary man who was characterized by a very special Spirit.

Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit ... was full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. All who were present in the Council, stared at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Acts 6:5,8,15

When reading how Luke describes Stephen, similar descriptions are linked to heros of the Old Testament, like e.g. Moses:

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.
Exodus 34:29

and Daniel:

Daniel distinguished himself ... because an excellent spirit was in him;
Dan 6:3

I have met such people in my own time as well. They do not need to talk about their faith and the Holy Spirit, for it is so integrated in them, that they cannot hide it. They are generous with grace and they use the power God has given them to transform the lives of others. There is also something with their charisma that makes me convinced that they have been with Jesus. 

Very special people? May be, but that is because of The Holy Spirit!

'Manna' for today:

The Holy Spirit makes people like Jesus