"And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.  But some men from what was called the synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cylicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen.  And yet they were unable to cope with the wisdom and Spirit with which he was speaking.  Then they secretly induced men to say, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.'"

Let's remember that Stephen was one of the men that the apostles choose to take care of the widows and orphans.  We might consider that a lowly job today, but Stephen's character was anything but lowly.  As he walked around the area, he performed signs and wonders.  That is not to say that the power came from him, but that he knew from where his strength came.

It is because of this great power that some of the leaders of the day decided to make him stop - no matter how it ended.

We realize that we have that same kind of choice today.  When we see someone distributing the power of God, and we disagree with the method, we can criticize too.

Or we can build up our neighbor.

Maybe we would look at character first and be a little more forgiving.