Acts 7
by Pastor Mark Hudson
In this chapter, we read Stephen’s speech (sermon?) before the religious leaders of Jerusalem. Stephen was accused of blasphemy in 6:11 so Stephen has some work to do to even gain a hearing. They had lied about him in chapter 6, yet they also saw his face change “like the face of an angel.” Now it was Stephen’s turn to speak after that wonderful introduction. He has to answer the charge of blasphemy, give them reasons to listen to him, and be faithful to Christ in his message. He does all of those in his first and last sermon.
He addresses these leaders as brothers and fathers. He calls Abraham “our father.” He expresses his common heritage in v. 19 with the phrases, found in v. 19, “our race” and “our fathers.” Stephen knows his history and theology and will demonstrate both throughout this entire address. In his retelling of the history of Israel, he has a conclusion in mind (7:51-53). To go from brothers and fathers to the ending demonstrates the Spirit’s wisdom and power. So, what can we observe in Stephen’s narrative?
Admittedly, the metanarrative (the grand, overall story) of the Bible is not easily understood. In fact, sometimes we wonder how God can call His chosen, well. . . His chosen. They act just as bad as the Canaanites but still talk about God. That behavior, that we see repeatedly, is roundly condemned by a holy God. These stories of rebellion against God, treasonous sins against the God of Israel, and transgressions against others is hard to reconcile with the holiness that God commands.
Stephen covers the story of the Hebrew Bible in his sermon. He doesn’t just cover the life of one individual but provides a commentary on the grand sweep of most of the Bible. Remember, the only Bible Stephen had is what we call the Old Testament. He begins with the call of Abraham and ends with the twelve patriarchs by verse 8. Then in verse 9, he begins with Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery. This is not a flattering glimpse into the patriarch’s family life. Stephen rehearses a theme repeated throughout the Bible. God’s chosen people are, not just occasionally, but almost always rejecting God, His word, and His express commands. This begins with Joseph and includes every major period along the way. Stephen lays out his case carefully and slowly, building to his conclusion in vs. 51-53.
Moses’ story, skillfully narrated, highlights the rejection of God’s people for a deliverer. “He (Moses) supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand” according to v. 25. God raised up Moses, who should not have killed the Egyptian, yet his own people neither recognized God’s deliverance nor accepted him. See this emphasis in v. 35, “This Moses, whom the rejected . . . this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel . . . .
With Moses Stephen repeats this theme: God provides; people reject. Look at v. 36, “This man led them out . . .” v. 38, “This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him . . . . He received living oracles to give to us.” (v. 39) Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside.” Stephen is stating his case including idolatry from the beginning (v. 40-43) and continued in their idolatry to Stephen’s day.
Verses 51-53 is a conclusion and summary breathed out from God. Stephen says, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit.” Stephen charges them with betraying and murdering the Righteous One, receiving the law as delivered by angels “and did not keep it” (v. 53). What a convicting message this was. We see the rejection of Stephen’s message yet how deep his words went into their hearts and minds as evidenced by their visceral reactions.
The narrative slows way down at their rejection and stoning of Stephen. While they are furious, Stephen is filled with joy as he sees “the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. They full of wrath; Stephen is full of the Spirit. They are out-of-their-minds angry while Stephen is so very happy. Saul (later the Apostle Paul) is either leading the charge or supportive. As they murder Stephen, Stephen is crying to Christ to receive his spirit and to forgive the people.
We can only imagine that Stephen’s death had to have a major softening effect on Saul’s hard heart. We end this chapter feeling like this is a major loss for the church. Stephen, a godly leader, is dead. His life wasted after one sermon and what happens to the church after this? The next few verses report that it only gets worse.
At times, we can easily become discouraged at our nation’s spirituality, our church’s lack of growth, and our lack of sanctification. For some of us, these feelings are not a one-time event. Yet, God was working. The clues in chapter 7 are easily spotted. The first is in chapter 6:15, “And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” You might think someone would have picked up on that obvious clue that God’s Spirit resides on Stephen. The council should have known about the tremendous growth of the church in such a short time. Stephen’s declaration of seeing the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God should have caused them to bless, not kill, Stephen. If not for those things, the gracious way Stephen died. And for us a clue is found in v. 58, “And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Saul would be wonderfully transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dear gracious heavenly Father, remind us that even when we see disappointment or loss, that does not mean You are not in those hurtful and painful events. Sometimes You bless us by taking things away, depriving us of those we love, or causing us to go through deep waters. Thank you for growing Your church Your way. Like Stephen, keep our eyes on Christ. Prompt us to always forgive so we can experience joy while others are angry. Forgive our many sins since we often fail You. Yet, remind us of Your deep, deep, covenantal love for us. We ask for Your blessings on our life. Not that we deserve any of Your goodness, but we need everything You offer us. In the perfect Son of God’s name, Amen.