9 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. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Acts 6:9

We don’t know what Stephen actually said to these Synagogue of the Freedmen but it must have been persuasive. This is a clear example of what Jesus taught in Luke 12:11-12:

11When you are brought before the synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say.
12For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.

How did Stephen become so wise in such a short period of time? These men who were schooled in the law and traditions would easily runs rings around Stephen, but they didn’t.

Holy Spirit,
May I aspire to be like Stephen, who relied on You for wisdom and strength. May I always look to you for power and infilling, and the words to say on even my best days.

Amen.