Stephen’s Defense
Introduction:
Stephen is on trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court. They are
determined to find fault with him regardless. He responds with an excellent
overview of Jewish history. His purpose was to show that the Jews who
accused Stephen were guilty of the same thing as were their ancestors. They
had rejected Jesus as God’s Son and killed Him. Their ancestors had also
rebelled against God and His Word.
Text: Acts 7:1-60
Body:
A History of the Jewish People (Verses 1-53)
I.
The History of Abraham (Verses 1-8)
Abraham was the first ancestor of the Jewish people to whom was
given a promise about their descendents. Stephen shows his respect
for both God and Abraham. He reminds them of the origin of the
covenant of circumcision which was of great importance to the Jews.
II.
The History of Joseph (Verses 9-16)
God needed someone in Egypt to save His people from famine. That
person was Joseph. Here is evidence of God’s providential care for
His people.
III.
The History of Moses and Israel in Egypt (Verses 17-36)
Stephen, by inspiration, proclaims that the time had drawn near for
the fulfillment of the promises to Abraham. This is not something for
the future! Moses was raised and matured in Egypt. Moses wanted
to help the Israelites, but instead they rejected him. This is Stephen’s
main point in his discourse. He had been accused of blaspheming
Moses and God, (Acts 6:11) “Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We have
heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ ” NKJV but his
discussion shows great respect for both.
IV.
The History of Israel’s Rebellion against Moses (Verses 37-43)
Stephen reminds his Jewish audience that Moses had predicted the
rising up of another prophet from their midst. This prophet was
Jesus. His work and teaching were not against Moses, but in
fulfillment of Moses prophecies! The Israelites refused to obey Moses
and rebelled against him. Stephen was driving home the point that
their ancestors had time after time, rejected their leaders. This began
with Moses. During their history they had rebelled against God’s
leaders and turned to false gods. (Amos 5) Amos 5:27 “Therefore I will
send you into captivity beyond Damascus,’ Says the Lord, whose name is the
God of hosts.” NKJV Their captivity in Babylon was due to their rebelling
against God.
V.
The History of God’s Dwelling Place (Verses 44-53)
Moses had provided the tabernacle [God’s dwelling place] for Israel.
His successor brought it into the Promised Land and then Solomon
built the Temple [the new dwelling place of God]. Stephen had been
accused of blaspheming the temple but Stephen shows his respect for
it as part of God’s plan. God could not be limited to a single place
and Stephen’s listeners should not put their trust in the temple, but
in God. Stephen then finished his defense in a very powerful way by
charging the Jews with resisting God’s Holy Spirit, killing Jesus the
Righteous One, and not keeping the Law.
A History of the Death of Stephen (Verses 54-60)
There were two possible outcomes: Repent or Reject. They were cut to
the heart; they were enraged and gnashed their teeth at him! But
Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God. Also, Jesus was
standing at the Father’s right hand. The Jews rushed him, grabbed
him, and stoned him to death. They had no legal right to do this!
Stephen expected God to receive his spirit. He also showed a true
spirit of forgiveness. But his prayer did not remove their sin.
Conclusion:
Let us remember that our duty is to call the world to repentance. Some will
open their hearts and obey while others will close their ears and reject the
message.
Bobby Stafford August 23, 2015 [Evening} Acts: Lesson 19 Acts 7:1-60