In this chapter we see the dramatic conclusion of the life of Stephen, one of the seven ministers. We also see the beginning of the tide turning for the disciples in Jerusalem going from dramatic miracles, growth and some opposition to greatly increased persecution - Stephen being the first disciple to lose his life as a witness to Jesus Christ.
Stephen's speech has always been interesting to me. He seems to just be getting warmed up describing how the Israelites have been rebellious and stubborn back from the days of Moses. Then he starts talking about the temple built by Solomon and makes a jump to his statements that he had been building to. The part about the temple seems to be just hanging there. Obviously he could have said more about it to tie it in, but this is a dynamic speech and I think that the Holy Spirit just led him at that point to the "You stiff necked people..."
I've seen that happen to others where they are preaching along and then suddenly the Holy Spirit jumps in and leads them to the heart of what he is wanting them to say.
Obviously in Stephen's case it gets the religious leaders very upset at him. At that point God opens up the heavens for him to see Jesus. God obviously knows that Stephen is going to be killed and he is preparing him and speaking to him, making life on this earth less interesting now that he has a glimpse into heaven.
God is allowing this persecution to happen and giving the disciples the faith and strength to make it through the situation. Stephen demonstrates that working of God such that he asks that his killers not be held guilty just as they are stoning him - obviously a supernatural response.
It is this persecution that begins to disburse the believers from Jerusalem so that the message goes to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the world. God also knows that his plan, as prophesied by Jesus, was that Jerusalem would be destroyed and that the temple would be torn down. God is preparing for these events.
We normally think that being killed is the worst possible thing that could happen, but in God's view of eternity, this life is short and the eternity that is lived afterward is greatly more important and valuable. In the case of Stephen, he was going to a joyous eternity with Christ Jesus. God gave Stephen a special gift of seeing inside heaven and worked in him to remove the fear of death and made the event not a disaster for him, but a joy.
It is hard to imagine how this can be, but it seems that God has done this quite a few times for people who are killed for him. The temporary pain becomes overwhelmed by the eternal joy.
I don't know what God's plans are for my life or yours, but I pray that we would have the grace and strength to trust in Jesus as deeply as Stephen did, even in the face of the most painful situations!
I really like Stephen's speech because he is able to answer the false accusations by showing his knowledge and belief in the Scriptures and history of God's working with Israel. He is not a heretic. He actually shows that ever since they made the golden calf in the desert the Israelite people have been subject to principalities and powers and were not wholly devoted to the Lord as they claim to be. He also says that the religious leaders and influential people in Israel did not submit to the calls of God through the prophets, but instead they persecuted and killed the prophets. He lets them know that they have been and continue to be stubborn and resist the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like he didn't say anything different from what Peter and John were speaking to the Sanhedrin before, but this time God allows for the hatred and anger of the people to overflow and kill him. It seems like this action was not sanctioned by the priests or authorities, but more of a mob attack. I wonder what Saul's role is in this situation--what was his position? He clearly gives approval to this murder of Stephen, but I don't know why. Do they really see Stephen as a heretic, or are they just mad about him exposing their sin--are they just jealous of him?
I'm glad that God helps Stephen so much in his death, and it actually seems like a great experience! In all cultures they have a concept of a "good death" or "dying with honor"--I think this is a great example of a good death! I know it sounds weird, but I actually think it would be great to die for the faith in Jesus as Stephen did. He is a hero.
I recognize that in my life I have resisted the Holy Spirit a lot, and disobeyed God a lot. Now I know that God has changed my heart as I trust in Jesus Christ and choose to follow him. He is working in me to help me be new and obey his ways. I don't want to go back to sin or become hardened and blinded again! Lord please help me to be soft-hearted, humble, teachable, and fear only You.
I really enjoyed Stephen's speech. It was the great abstract for the books of old testament from Abraham to Solomon.
ReplyDeleteIt usually not easy for me to connect the books in old testament. However, this speech was really helpful to remind many of the scenes in Old testament and align them.
When the Stephen died, he was saying "Lord, do not hold this sin against them".
It strucked me. Disciples can be like Jesus Christ!