“Acts 7: The Preaching of Stephen”

Saturday, January 07, 2017

Stephen was one of the seven servants chosen in Chapter Six to care for the Hellenistic (Grecian) widows.

The qualifications listed in Acts 6:3 describe Stephen as a man “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” He was trustworthy, dependable and always faithful.

In addition, the apostles had laid hands on the seven, imparting to them miraculous, spiritual gifts which enabled Stephen and the others to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

The false charges against Stephen (6:11-14) were that he spoke “blasphemous words” against Moses, God, this holy place (the temple?) and the law (of Moses). When evil people have no legitimate criticisms of the godly, they will simply make something up. It is up to the righteous, not to retaliate, but to seek to overcome evil with good by living a holy life that cannot be faulted. Chapter Seven is Stephen’s response to these untrue charges.

Stephen’s defense is basically a historical review of Israel’s past. By mentioning some of the highlights of Hebrew history, Stephen emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His people throughout the centuries. He draws the sermon to a conclusion in verse 52, by comparing their forefathers’ persecution of the prophets and their own betrayal and murder of Christ.

Filled with anger, the Jews rush at Stephen and stone him to death. Before he draws his final breath, Stephen asks Jesus not to charge them with this sin. Can you imagine the agony of having the life crushed out of you with the intense pain of having your body hit repeatedly with large stones (or even small ones)? Do you think perhaps that Stephen’s last thought was of His crucified Savior, who, in His own anguish on the cross, asked of God, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do?”

--Roger Hillis

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