In Search Of Truth, Acts 7

Acts, Chapter 7





Stephen, a believer with an incredible ministry of miraculous signs and wonders, has been dragged before the Sanhedrin (a group of Jewish religious leaders) to defend himself against false accusations. Immediately, Stephen launches into a speech recounting major events in the history of the Jewish people. At first, it may seem unrelated and odd for Stephen to be telling these religious leaders about things they already knew. He covers issues very important to his Jewish listeners: Circumcision, The Promised Land, Temple worship, etc. In all of this he seems to be establishing a foundation for his main point, presented in verses 51-53.


It's also interesting that he mentions the construction of the Temple as a desire of King David's, not a command of God's. (See 2nd Samuel, Chapter 7) God was pleased with David's desire because it was motivated by a great love for God. But the Jewish leaders of Stephen's time had a greater love for the Temple and all the superficialities of religion than they had for God. And this was displayed through the way they treated Jesus.


As we look at some of the ideas mentioned, we can see how Stephen may have emphasized certain points that would lead to this final accusation against the Sanhedrin. Look over Stephen's speech again. How many times do you see him make reference to doubt or disobedience in the lives of their ancestors? Of real significance is the doubt he shows that people had toward Moses, the greatest and most respected human figure in the Jewish religion. He wanted the religious leaders to see that the doubt against Moses, which they would no doubt see as wrong, is being repeated by them toward God himself!


Stephen calls them stiff-necked in the NIV (meaning stubborn) and refers to their hearts and ears as "uncircumcised". Circumcision was a sign that a man had been set apart and deciated to God. It was meant to be an outward sign of an inward reality. Stephen was essentially saying that they do not listen to God and they do not love God. And the final blow: he accused them of murdering God.


In the moments before his execution, Stephen sees a vision of "The Son Of Man", a reference to Jesus' prophetic name from the book of Daniel.


At this point Luke, the author of Acts, introduces Saul for the first time. We see that at the very least he was present at Stephen's execution. While this chapter brings one life to a close, with the introduction of Saul we will soon see another life be completely reborn.



Next week: Teleportation in the Bible?
Coffee House Question:





Can you think of anything or anyone that you might be willing to die for?