We, like Stephen, gain grace and insight from the Holy Spirit. Notice that those who attacked Stephen were from the Synagogues of the “Freed Slaves.” And yet they did not know God, and they were enslaved indeed. Lying, murderous slaves to sin.
The charges they brought against Stephen, against Jesus really, as Stephen represents the Lord as his ambassador here, were that he spoke against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. They made up false arguments (lies), claiming Stephen said Jesus would destroy the Temple and change Moses’ customs. Of course, it was they who actually killed the true Temple. And it was the accusers who did not know God or his prophet, Moses. The Holy Spirit helped Stephen to see the liars as brothers and to give Stephen the love to pray for their salvation. In Stephen's reply, he was respectful. More than that: Stephen was filled with love. He spoke the truth to them, even though they were his marked enemies, those determined to kill him.
Stephen explained that he was a descendant of Abraham, who God brought to the land God had for Abraham. Stephen said that Abraham was promised an inheritance – but none was given on earth – his inheritance is in the future, for Abraham and his descendants.
Stephen noted that Abraham was told about the 400 years of slavery his descendants would face in Egypt. And of the return to the promised land to worship God. Abraham believed God. He must have pondered how all God told him would come to pass.
Stephen noted the covenant of circumcision that God gave Abraham. A marking of holiness, of being set apart as God’s chosen nation. A covenant passed on through Isaac and Jacob and then to the twelve patriarchs of the Israelite nation. To answer the charge that Jesus changes a custom Stephen is explaining that all is fulfilled in Jesus: it is Jesus who fulfills all prophesy. It is in Jesus now that a person is set apart, made free. It is through nothing else. Stephen understood this, but his accusers did not.
Stephen explained the patriarchs’ jealousy of their brother Joseph. And how God gave Joseph rescue from all his troubles in Egypt. And God gave Joseph favor.
Make no mistake, men of God, like Stephen, must know the Scriptures. We must see God’s work and message from all time – repent and turn to God – that’s God’s message now, just as it was when Stephen gave his famous reply to his accusers.
Stephen made it crystal clear that he not only knew the Scriptures but interpreted them correctly, focusing on God’s purpose: to rescue people from every wicked generation through Jesus, the Righteous One. Stephen explained that it was God who gave Joseph uncommon wisdom. God never changes. It is the same God that speaks to us this morning. He hears us. He invites us into a deep relationship with Him.
Stephen explained that from small numbers, the Israelite nation greatly increased in Egypt. I love how in a few short paragraphs, Stephen explains the story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses and makes it clear he was not speaking against God or Moses as were the charges against him. But instead, Stephen not only gave an answer to the charges, he accurately explained who Moses was and what he did. And he hits the heart of the issue: people with hard hearts rejecting the Creator. Stephen explains what Moses did at 40 years old. And how at 80 years old, God sent him back to Egypt. We must use the New Testament to interpret the Old. We, as Christ Jesus' people, must teach the truth of this passage as passed on to us by Luke.
Stephen explained that God sent back the same man the people had rejected – God sent Moses as their ruler and savior.
Sound familiar? Stephen got it. But could the High Council? Will we?
Lord God, open our eyes. Let us see who you are. You are our Rescuer and our Savior. Please help us hear from you today. And please protect us today as we share your truth. Amen.
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