Good morning. Late again- cavity work at the dentist, so if I start slurring words and drooling- it's the Novocaine!
Chapter 7 is long, but I don't think there will be many comments. In this chapter- Stephen defends the Jewish faith and then the conversion to "The Way' (as it was called back in the day!)
The high priest mentioned in v 1 is probably still Caiaphas- the high priest who presided over Jesus' trial. He gives Stephen a chance to counter the claims of blasphemy (6:11-14).
In his response Stephen gave a panorama of Jewish/Hebrew history. Stephen primarily emphasized things in Jewish history people may not have considered: That God never confined God's self to one place (like the temple), and that the Jewish people had a habit of rejecting those God sends to them. This really was not a defense. Stephen wasn’t interested in defending himself. He simply wanted to proclaim the truth about Jesus in a way people could understand.
There is an element of trust and faith and hope that ruins through all of Stephen's speech. Do we have that faith and trust and hope that Stephen continues to talk about?
Abraham (vv 2-8) was promised both the land and descendants, but had no outward proof of either. He could only trust God for the fulfillment of these things.Stephen emphasized a relationship with God on the basis of faith and not outward evidences like a temple or the structure of institutional religion and its customs. Back to a common talking point for us: Circumcision became the sign of the covenant for Israel, and the covenant was passed down through these descendants of Abraham.
Again, Stephen emphasized the spiritual presence of God with Joseph (vv 11-16) all the time. Joseph did not need to go to the temple to be close to God – there was no temple. Stephen possibly brings up the story of Joseph because Joseph is somewhat "similar" to Jesus. The sons of Israel (Jacob) rejected Joseph, who later became a "savior" to them; Jesus was rejected by Israel only to become their savior later. Thoughts?
Stephen makes some comparisons between Moses and Jesus too (vv 19- 38). Moses was also like Jesus in that he was favored by God from birth and preserved in childhood. At an appointed time, Moses came down from his royal throne out of care and concern for his brothers and sisters; Jesus- when it was time- came into ministry to help His brothers and sisters. When Moses offered deliverance to Israel, he was rejected and rejected with spite. When Jesus offered deliverance- look what happened to Him! Stephen’s message was plain: “You have rejected Jesus, who was like Moses yet greater than him, and you deny that Jesus has any right to be a ruler and a judge over you.”When ancient Israel rejected Moses and God’s work through him, they replaced him with their own man-made religion. Stephen applied the same idea to the council he spoke to. One of the accusations against Stephen was that he blasphemed the temple. It wasn’t that Stephen spoke against the temple, but against the way Israel worshiped the temple of God instead of the God of the temple. Just as Israel worshiped the calf in the wilderness, so now they were worshiping the works of their own hands- the great Temple! Do we do that? Do we know of places that worship their building more than God?
Stephen confronted their idolatry of the temple (vv 44-50). In doing so, they tried to confine God within the temple. Yet God is too big to fit in any temple man could make. Many Christians today do the same thing. It may not be the worship of a church building (though certainly that does take place from time to time), but it is the confinement of God to one place. In other words, the only place they meet God is at the church. As far as they are concerned, God is absent from the rest of their lives. In the minds and lives of some today, God might as well only live at the church. How does that settle with you? What are your thoughts about this?
Stephen hits them hard with (v 51) "You stubborn people! You have not given your hearts t God,nor will you listen to God!" Some translations say, "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears!" Probably not the best way to win friends! One can imagine the angry whispering among the Sanhedrin as Stephen’s history lesson began to make sense. Stephen saw this and knew they were rejecting again the One God sent, just as before. Could you look at your accusers and say words that you know would alienate them from you even more?
The council responds (vv 54- 8:1) with so much anger that they were grinding their teeth..." (Some translations say "gnashing teeth"). It is remarkable to think of this response from men who were dignified, respected leaders in Israel. This would as if a group of senators ground their teeth in anger in response to the testimony of a witness at a hearing. While all this is going on, Stephen sees Jesus- quite a contrast to the "religious upper crust"! Stephen sees Jesus standing- not sitting- at the right hand of God= maybe as an ovation to the testimony that Stephen just gave?
When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, it was too much. The Sanhedrin reacted quickly, violently, and together. When Jesus, before this same body of men, declared that He would sit at the right hand of God, they had the same reaction and sealed his death as a blasphemer. The extent of their rage was shown by their execution of Stephen, which was done without regard for Roman law, and which was performed according to traditional Jewish custom (stoning). Interesting to see that in Acts 8:1, Saul of Tarsus is there. Saul stood there as the supervisor of the operation. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he had also approved of Stephen’s execution. We will talk about Saul later (chapter 9)!
Stephen displayed the same forgiving attitude that Jesus had on the cross (Luke 23:34). He asked God to forgive his accusers, and he made the promises loudly and publicly.The text describes the passing of Stephen as tenderly as possible. Instead of saying simply that he died, it says that he merely "fell asleep" with the idea that he woke up in a much better world. Stephen is the first "official" Christian martyr. Many more would follow. Could you do what Stephen did? Could you die in defense of Christ?
Wow! Lots to digest here! Take time, read it again. Have a great day!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Oh my gosh - I LOVE Stephen and his wonderful speech. He most assuredly was filled with the Holy Ghost. I hate to admit this - but I could not get the transition between Joseph and the welcoming of Jews into Egypt and then Jews being slaves whom Moses had to save. But in Stephen's speech it is made quite clear to me - A King that did not know Joseph and started treating the Jews/Hebrews quite differently. And Stephen going over the history of the Jews - all of which the council knew - but making such great points about the saviors that God sent and they persecuted AND reminded them that MOSES told them that Jesus would be coming. Almost like saying - you believe in Moses and all that he did? Why don't you believe in Jesus - the one who he told you about? Vs. 51 really brought it all home to me (and I am sure to those on the council) "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." And then asking them which prophets had they not persecuted? And now Jesus - they are betrayers and murderers! Pretty strong words. The Jewish people did seem to have a history of not recognizing the saviors that God sends. Almost like that joke of the man who is in the middle of a flood, on top of his roof, rejecting all the manners of help that God sends and then when he dies is upset that God didn't save him. I wonder if we recognize those "angels" that God sends to us to help and guide us? I am not sure I always do. it's hard to say if I would die in the defense of Christ. But a better question might be - what would I think of myself if I didn't? I might be able to if it were quick - like shooting. Stoning? Crucifixion? I am not sure. And definitely not if my child was threatened. As I have said - Saul/Paul and David are my favorites (outside of Jesus). Seeing that Jesus was standing? that is a pretty cool thing to think about. Hope you feel better - great day to sit on your porch!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have the idea of Stephen's speech correct-- you believe in all your Hebrew ancestors: Abraham, Moses, Joseph, etc...why don't you believe in what Jesus has to say?! As we look at the Hebrew prophets- we see very few of them were believed, so it is no surprise that Jesus was believed in either! He was no different (to them)-- just another prophet!
DeleteYou have some good comments Donna! Thanks!
And sitting on the porch is for the weak! There is too much work to do!! ;)
Wow what a great chapter bout Stephen. He is before the high council and basically gives them all a history of the past on how they were given so many chances and still disobeyed God then when Jesus came as was prophesied they still turned away and Jesus was crucified .
ReplyDeleteI think Stephen knew that he wasn't going to convince the high council so He really let them know that they were still not complying with God. They were angered and took Stephen out and stoned him to death. He didn't even have a trial. What faith and love Stephen had It is something that if any of us were faced with today and knew we were facing death .we would probably be like Peter and deny Him but it may be more than three times. Facing death by stoning must be a terrible way to die but Stephen sounds so like Jesus when he asks God not to charge them for what they did.
Good point about Stephen assuming he wasn't going to convince the Council! I know that if I was at the point Stephen was with someone- I'd probably let them have it too!
DeleteAnd right- no trial! Kind of like Jesus- not a "real" trial anyway! I couldn't imagine death by stoning! Yikes!
Good comments Clara- thanks!
Stephen gives such a wonderful history lesson. It's amazing how he angered the council probably knowing how this would turn out. I could not imagine having the courage to taunt accusers, making them so angry.
ReplyDeleteAnd then, just as Jesus did, he asks God to forgive his assailants. He must have had incredible faith that God would take care of him after he died. This is a remarkable story of faith and courage. I know I never would be like Stephen.
I like your word choice of "taunt"; I guess that is what Stephen was doing! And good for him too!
DeleteHis faith must have been huge- like you say- asking for forgiveness for his accusers! I don't know if I could do that! I really love this story about Stephen- it teaches us all a lesson!
Good thoughts Cathy!
Yes we are hearing these stories as Stephen sermon is the longest recorded in Acts. He told about the nation of Israel and there rejection of Gods messages. Stephen can see Jesus seated at the right hand of God,as with Stephen,standing in the minister. Rev.2:1 As in his stoning death,he just fell asleep. What a great story of faithful men.
ReplyDelete