Introduction:
Stephen, one of the seven deacons, is brought before the Sanhedrin on charges of blasphemy. The accusations stem from Stephen’s preaching that Jesus would destroy the temple and change the customs of Moses. As he stands before the council, Stephen gives a long defense that recounts the history of Israel, focusing on how the people repeatedly rejected God’s messengers.
The History of Israel:
Stephen’s defense begins with a recounting of Israel’s history, starting with Abraham. He highlights the faith of Abraham and God’s promises to him, including the promise of land and descendants. Stephen traces the history of Israel through the patriarchs, Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers, and Israel’s time in Egypt. He underscores the faith of the patriarchs and the faithfulness of God in delivering them.
The Rejection of Moses:
Stephen moves on to Moses, showing how God chose Moses to be the deliverer of Israel from slavery in Egypt. However, he also points out that Israel rejected Moses, as they would later reject other leaders and prophets. When Moses initially tried to deliver the people, they did not accept him, and even when he brought God’s law to them, they turned to idolatry.
The Tabernacle and the Temple:
Stephen mentions the tabernacle, which was a sign of God’s presence among His people, and later the temple, which became a symbol of the nation’s identity. However, Stephen emphasizes that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands. He quotes Isaiah 66:1-2, asserting that God is bigger than the temple and that the true worship of God is not confined to a building.
The Rejection of the Prophets:
Finally, Stephen points to the consistent pattern of Israel rejecting God’s messengers, from Joseph to Moses to the prophets. He accuses the Jewish leaders of betraying and murdering the Righteous One (Jesus), just as their ancestors had done to the prophets.
The Conclusion:
Stephen’s sermon culminates in a stinging rebuke to the Sanhedrin. He calls them “stiff-necked” and accuses them of always resisting the Holy Spirit. He accuses them of being just like their ancestors, rejecting God’s message and rejecting Jesus, the one who was sent to save them.
The Reaction:
The Sanhedrin is enraged by Stephen’s words, and they drag him out of the city and stone him. Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr, and his death marks a turning point in the history of the early church.
Conclusion:
Stephen’s sermon before the Sanhedrin is a powerful witness to the gospel and a clear indictment of the Jewish leaders’ rejection of Jesus. His defense serves as a model of how Christians can boldly proclaim the truth, even in the face of opposition, and it highlights the consistent theme of rejection of God’s messengers throughout Israel’s history.
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