Introduction:

1. Today we see prior threats become violence as Stephen is martyred.

2. This event detonated the first broader persecution in Jerusalem, but God turned even this into a catalyst for the spread of Christianity.

Discussion:

I. A Wrongful Arrest (6:8-15)

A. A Jewish sect unsuccessfully disputed with Stephen (6:8-10).

B. They prompted his arrest by falsely accusing him of blaspheming Moses, God, the temple, and the law (6:11-14).

II. A Masterful Defense (7:1-53)

A. Addressing the Sanhedrin, Stephen summarized Israel’s history.

B. In the process, he proved they were the true blasphemers:

1. They rejected Moses (7:35)

2. They rejected God (7:36-43)

3. They abused the temple (vv. 44-51; cf. Jeremiah 7:1-11; 26:1-9).

4. Their fathers killed the prophets; they killed the Just One (7:51-53).

C. Stephen simply preached the truth that Jesus fulfilled the word of God in these things (Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:44-45; Acts 3:18, 21-24).

III. A Violent Response (7:54-8:3)

A. Like those in Acts 2:37, these were also cut to the heart.

B. Rather than humbly repent, they displayed their stiff necks and uncircumcised hearts killing Stephen (Romans 2:25-29; Colossians 2:11).

C. This event sparked a great persecution in Jerusalem (8:1-3).

IV. An Unexpected Result (8:1-4)

A. Having buried a beloved brother, the disciples now scattered throughout Judea and Samaria faced a choice of eternal import.

B. Would they be silenced by fear or obey God rather than men?

C. They went everywhere preaching the word despite the risk!

1. We must prepare for opposition (Matthew 10:16-39; John 15:18ff; 2 Timothy 3:12).

2. These brethren were emboldened by persecution (cf. Philippians 1:12-14).

3. Their hearts were set on things above, not on things on the earth.

4. The result was as Tertullian said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”