Today we will be starting in Acts 6:8 and making our way to Acts 7:53. Acts 6:8 through 7:53 recounts the powerful speech of Stephen, one of the seven chosen by the early Christian community to serve tables and ensure fair distribution of food. Stephen was not only known for his service but also for his wisdom and ability to perform signs and wonders among the people.
In Acts 6:8-15, Stephen is depicted as a man filled with the Holy Spirit, performing great wonders and signs among the people. However, some members of the synagogue began to dispute with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. They falsely accused him of blasphemy against Moses and God, inciting the people and the elders to seize him and bring him before the Sanhedrin.
In Acts 7:1-53, Stephen delivers a detailed defense of his faith before the Sanhedrin, tracing the history of Israel from Abraham to the time of Jesus. He highlights key events and figures in Israel's history, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the disobedience of the people. Stephen focuses on the rejection of prophets by Israel throughout history, culminating in their rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, the Righteous One, whom they betrayed and murdered.
Stephen's speech includes references to:
1. Abraham: Stephen begins by recounting the call of Abraham in Acts 7:2-8, highlighting God's promise to give him the land of Canaan as an inheritance.
2. Joseph: He discusses Joseph's story in Acts 7:9-16, emphasizing God's providence in Joseph's life despite his brothers' betrayal.
3. Moses: Stephen speaks about Moses in Acts 7:17-44, highlighting his role as a deliverer of Israel from Egypt and emphasizing God's presence with Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness.
4. The Tabernacle: He mentions the Tabernacle in Acts 7:44-50, emphasizing its significance as a dwelling place for God among His people.
5. The Prophets: Stephen condemns the disobedience of Israel and their rejection of the prophets whom God sent to them, leading up to the ultimate rejection and betrayal of Jesus (Acts 7:51-53).
Throughout his speech, Stephen asserts the continuity of God's plan of salvation through history, despite Israel's repeated disobedience. He accuses the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did, and of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus.
