The story of the Stephen in Acts is one of great boldness in the face of death. He could have very easily have denounced Christ and walked away from his trial. However, Stephen gives a long speech in defense of Christ in so doing condemned the Jews for His death. His closing words at the end of his defense enraged the Jews.

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it" (Acts 7:51-53, ESV).

Stephen knew death awaited him but he was not about to bow down in the face of persecution. The church was too important. Where is such boldness today in the church? We have pastors that would denounce Christ rather than stand up to unconstitutional government mandates. Save me the caring about the flock argument, they are more worried about losing a building than people. They are more worried about their salaries than God's mission for the church. Not all pastors for surely a few faithful examples exist but the majority.