Stephen had been going about the synagogues teaching the truth of the gospel. His message so powerfully presented that the greatest Old Testament Scholars of his time were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake (Acts 6:10). So, when they could not win the debate, they hired people to slander him (much like what continues in our day). Therefore, they brought Stephen before the council. They accused him of blaspheming against God, Moses, the law and the temple. Stephen, like a skillful lawyer might, then spoke in his own defense. As he did, he spoke one of the greatest apologetic sermons ever. His task was to answer the four charges, to keep their attention, to indict them on their sin, and to present Christ as the Messiah. Standing before a hostile crowd, not an easy task.
Yet, as they accused him, all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). The Holy Spirit filled Stephen’s heart and mind as he began to speak, guiding his words. Certainly, Stephen could not be the amazing defender of the gospel if he had never studied the scripture. He did rely on the Spirit to “bring to remembrance” (John 14:26); however, this did not negate the truth of his diligence in studying the scripture. We must be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15).
One of the Greatest Sermons
So, it is when the High Priest asked Stephen concerning the charges against him, “Is it true?”, Stephen seized his opportunity. He began with, “Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken” (Acts 7:2). It was as though; he had been waiting for just such an opportunity as this. Against the charge of blasphemy against God, he begins: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham (Acts 7:2). The one and only true God-the God of Glory appeared unto OUR father. He proceeds to tell the story of Jewish History. How better to captivate a crowd than to tell of their story? Step by step he tells of the Jewish history. Of God’s faithfulness throughout. He tells them of Joseph, God’s chosen servant to fulfill the prophecy given Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14. Despite the prophecy, Joseph’s brothers rejected him. Much like a picture of Christ, God’s chosen one, being rejected.
Then Stephen moves on to Moses, whom he presents as another portrait of Christ. God’s chosen one, rejected by the people, who returns to bring them out of their bondage. He presents Moses as exceedingly fair, wise, “mighty in word and deed” (Acts 7:22). Just as Jesus when rejected went into the foreign lands, presenting salvation to the Gentiles, so Moses left for a foreign country and bore sons in a gentile nation. Without their even knowing it, Stephen was presenting Christ throughout the sermon. He built his case for Jesus Christ on their own history and scripture. When Moses returned, he saved the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. When Christ returns, He will fulfill His promise to Abraham and the Jewish nation. He will reign in perfect righteousness and Glory.
Elements of the Greatest Sermons
Even if they did not understand, he was making the case for Christ throughout his speech. The greatest sermons must do that, present Christ even to a hostile crowd; yet, do it in such a way as to indict the listener to his or her need of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. All the while, keeping their interest as you draw them to the conclusion. He reminded them that Moses spoke of Christ. A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear (Deuteronomy 18:15). But just as the people turned their back on God and the tablets of the law by building a golden calf for idolatrous, sensual worship at the very moment God was writing the laws, so had Israel turned their back on God by rejecting Jesus.
Moses came down to find them in naked orgies dancing around and giving sacrifices to the God’s of the Egyptians. This after all the signs and wonders God had performed on their behalf. So, you say I blaspheme Moses? I do not, but throughout history, your forefathers have. As Moses was obtaining the living oracles of God, the people would not obey, but thrust him from them and in their hearts turned back again to Egypt (Acts 7:39). Note the reverence with which Stephen portrayed the law-the living oracles of God.
Then concerning the temple, Stephen reminded them God is much more than some building Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 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? Hath not my hand made all these things? (Acts 7:48-50)
The Indictment
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (Acts 7:51-53). Suddenly, in response, they became very angry. Knowing they were wrong, angered them rather than causing them to repent. But that is how it is sometimes.
Then Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55-56)
Notice next, they rushed him to cast him out of the city and stone him. Stripping him naked, they lay his clothes at Saul’s feet as some tribute of honor to him. But also notice, it said, “they stopped their ears” (Acts 7:57). They chose not to listen. Therefore, one would wonder if they even heard Stephen calling out to God, his final act of merciful grace toward his killers. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7: 69-60),
Concluding Thoughts
To some it might appear that Stephen’s sermon was a failure as none came forward to accept Christ. Yet, it was his martyrdom that led to the gospel being spread throughout the gentile lands. Additionally, this sermon was a seed placed in heart of Saul. It prepared the way for when Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus: because Saul (later to be named Paul) was among those who could not win the debate against Stephen. As brilliant as was Saul, he had lost the debate with Stephen. The truth began to eat at Saul’s heart, though he did not realize it at first.
We must speak the truth of the gospel, whatever the personal cost. Ours is to trust and obey, allowing God to bring the harvest. The harvest is His, not ours. But we must diligently study, pray and be ready in season and out to speak the truth of the gospel message to all. Even a hostile crowd. We are to do it with grace and mercy, regardless of their angry response. Let us learn from Stephen and one of the greatest sermons ever.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.