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Stephen reminded his accusers and judges that the nation had had a
history of generations of rejecters and rebellious people. If they finally
rejected Jesus, the only Saviour of the world, they would seal their doom and
forever bring upon themselves and future generations, eternal damnation. “Beware therefore, lest that come upon
you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and
perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise
believe, though a man declare it unto you” (Acts 13:40,41).
Stephen was not a blasphemer as they falsely reported. He affirmed
and acknowledged Moses’ ability, appointment and anointing. He said, “Moses
was exceeding fair”, “Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the
Egyptians”, “Moses was mighty in words and in deeds”, he
“understood how that God by his hand would deliver them.” Their
question showed their ignorance and rejection: “who made thee a ruler and
a judge OVER US?” Stephen’s point is clear: the former
generation rejected the mediator sent from God, and the present generation
rejects the Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5,6) approved, appointed, anointed and sent
by God. Israel was guilty of rebellion and rejection. Are you guilty of
rejecting Christ as your Mediator, Saviour, Deliverer and Lord?
and acknowledged Moses’ ability, appointment and anointing. He said, “Moses
was exceeding fair”, “Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the
Egyptians”, “Moses was mighty in words and in deeds”, he
“understood how that God by his hand would deliver them.” Their
question showed their ignorance and rejection: “who made thee a ruler and
a judge OVER US?” Stephen’s point is clear: the former
generation rejected the mediator sent from God, and the present generation
rejects the Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5,6) approved, appointed, anointed and sent
by God. Israel was guilty of rebellion and rejection. Are you guilty of
rejecting Christ as your Mediator, Saviour, Deliverer and Lord?
False witnesses had risen against Stephen, vehemently saying, “This
man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law”
(Acts 6:13). Stephen cleared himself of the charge by referring to the law as “the
lively oracles” given “unto us” (Acts 7:38). He said he
believed that “our fathers” “received the law by the
disposition of angels” (Acts 7:53). Concerning “this holy place”,
the temple, the place of worship which almost became the object of worship, he
recited what Solomon had said and revealed what God, Himself, had said. “Howbeit
the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet”
(Acts 7:48). God, Himself, said, “Heaven is My Throne, and earth
is My footstool: what house will ye build Me? Saith the Lord: or what is the
place of My rest?” (Acts 7:49). These accusers and witnesses were
hypocrites. Like the Pharisees during the earthly ministry of Jesus, and like
generations of religious hypocrites since the time of Moses, they had
habitually broken the laws they were defending. From the time of Moses, “our
fathers would not obey”, and “in their hearts turned back again
into Egypt” (Acts 7:39).
man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law”
(Acts 6:13). Stephen cleared himself of the charge by referring to the law as “the
lively oracles” given “unto us” (Acts 7:38). He said he
believed that “our fathers” “received the law by the
disposition of angels” (Acts 7:53). Concerning “this holy place”,
the temple, the place of worship which almost became the object of worship, he
recited what Solomon had said and revealed what God, Himself, had said. “Howbeit
the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet”
(Acts 7:48). God, Himself, said, “Heaven is My Throne, and earth
is My footstool: what house will ye build Me? Saith the Lord: or what is the
place of My rest?” (Acts 7:49). These accusers and witnesses were
hypocrites. Like the Pharisees during the earthly ministry of Jesus, and like
generations of religious hypocrites since the time of Moses, they had
habitually broken the laws they were defending. From the time of Moses, “our
fathers would not obey”, and “in their hearts turned back again
into Egypt” (Acts 7:39).
The Jews, addressed by Stephen, were “stiffnecked
and uncircumcised in heart and ears”; these persecutors had “received
the law by the disposition of angels, and HAVE NOT KEPT IT” (Acts
7:51-53). Their fanatical zeal for “this holy place” was shallow,
empty and deceptive. Their sinful, hypocritical lives rendered their worship
unacceptable. “When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this
at your hand, to tread my courts?” (Isaiah 1:12). “Will ye steal,
murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by My
Name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?”
(Jeremiah 7:9,10). Religion which does not lead to repentance, righteousness
and practical holiness is worthless in the sight of God. Such religion, even if
it is called Christianity, will damn the soul in the eternal lake of fire.
Repent and believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can
forgive your sins, save your soul, transform your life, keep you holy and ready
for heaven.-from outline
and uncircumcised in heart and ears”; these persecutors had “received
the law by the disposition of angels, and HAVE NOT KEPT IT” (Acts
7:51-53). Their fanatical zeal for “this holy place” was shallow,
empty and deceptive. Their sinful, hypocritical lives rendered their worship
unacceptable. “When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this
at your hand, to tread my courts?” (Isaiah 1:12). “Will ye steal,
murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by My
Name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?”
(Jeremiah 7:9,10). Religion which does not lead to repentance, righteousness
and practical holiness is worthless in the sight of God. Such religion, even if
it is called Christianity, will damn the soul in the eternal lake of fire.
Repent and believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can
forgive your sins, save your soul, transform your life, keep you holy and ready
for heaven.-from outline
Oh how I desire to be like Stephen! A man filled with the holy spirit who boldly preached the word of God even at the rejection of it by his persecutors. My personal prayer: Lord strengthen me to preach your word without hesitation; courageously and without compromise. Amen.
Please listen to the bible study this week and may you gain strength to masterfully and fearlessly preach the word!
God bless,
-Charity