Scripture Reading: Acts 7:57–60

Introduction

A. When Stephen’s preaching creates a stir in the Greek-speaking quarters of Jerusalem, they take him before the Sanhedrin.

B. There he stands falsely accused of speaking blasphemy against God, against Moses, and against the holy temple.

Discussion

I. Stephen answers these charges by an appeal to Israel’s history.

A. He refers to God as “the God of glory” (v 2) and as “the Most High” (v 48).

B. He identifies Moses as Israel’s God-ordained deliverer (v 35) and the Law of Moses as “the living oracles” (v 38).

C. Stephen shows that God has often demonstrated His divine power outside Jerusalem (vv 2–11, 15–17, 29, 36–38, 44).

D. Rejection of God and Moses did not come from Stephen, but from Israel’s fathers (vv 25, 27, 39–43, 53).

E. These members of the Jewish community were following a long and dreadful tradition (vv 51–53).

II. What lessons can we learn from Stephen’s defense?

A. We see that God can be with us wherever we are (vv 54–60; Ezekiel 34:30; Judges 6:12–13; John 16:32; 2 Timothy 4:16–18).

B. We must be careful not to close our ears (vv 51, 57).

C. Sometimes the worst thing we can do is to follow in our parents’ footsteps (vv 51–53; cf. 1 Kings 15:11–12).

Conclusion

A. The true Judge in heaven has promised to set things right in the end: may we commit soul and spirit to him (v 59).

B. To the people of the Synagogue of the Freedmen Stephen offered true freedom—a freedom that can be ours if we will hear the voice of the great Prophet like Moses and follow where He leads.