Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

Stephen Appears Before The Sanhedrin

In Acts 6 we met Stephen, one of the 7 Hellenistic believers chosen to lead the assistance ministry for the needy. Besides ministering to the poor Hellenistic Jews and believers, he was also faithfully sharing Jesus and the Gospel with those that were not yet believers.

At the end of Acts 6 we saw that Stephen was being opposed by a group of Jews from the various synagogues that were formed by the many Jewish immigrants that were living in Jerusalem. Because they could not deal with the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gave to Stephen, they had him arrested and sent to the Sanhedrin. They also raised up false witnesses against him, and accused him of blasphemy against Moses, the Mosaic law given by God, and God.

“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” – Acts 6:8-14

Now in Acts 7 we will see Stephen speak to the Jewish leaders and the Sanhedrin. We will also see Satan’s attacks and persecution against the early church in Acts escalate even further. Any time the true followers of Jesus set their hearts on obeying Jesus’ commands to build God’s kingdom by sharing Jesus and the Gospel, and making disciples, Satan will stir up opposition and persecution.

In Acts 4 we saw Peter and John arrested and warned to stop telling others about Jesus. In Acts 5 we saw all of the apostles arrested and beaten for the same reason.

Now in Acts 7 we will see Satan’s opposition and persecution escalate even further.

“And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” – Acts 7:1

Stephen’s Answer To The False Accusations

Stephen begins his defense against the false accusations in Acts 7:2. He begins by talking about Abraham and God’s covenant with him. Which was the beginning of God’s chosen people Israel.

“And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. 5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. 6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. 7 ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’ 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision.” – Acts 7:2-8

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed
Stephen’s Defense Continues

Stephen continues his defense against the false accusations by continuing to go through the history of God’s chosen people. He moves from Abraham on to Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s sons.

“And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.” – Acts 7:8

The “12 patriarchs” are the sons and grandsons of Jacob/Israel, and the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel.

By doing so Stephen is affirming his belief that God chose Abraham and his descendants to be His chosen people. And to have a covenant relationship with them.

Part of God’s covenant promise to Abraham was that all other nations would be blessed by his descendants, the nation of Israel. This is in Genesis 12, and this blessing of all other nations refers to Jesus the Messiah coming out of Israel. And blessing the world with the gift of salvation, and a restored relationship with God. And eternal life in heaven with God.

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” – Genesis 12:1-3

Stephen is going through the history of Israel in his defense. And he is heading towards showing his accusers and the Sanhedrin that Jesus is the promised “blessing to all nations” and the Messiah.

And Stephen is beginning to show that he and his fellow believers and followers of Jesus believe in God, and in the law that He gave to Moses. Just as the Jews did. And that they are not blaspheming God or God’s law that He gave to His chosen people through the chosen leader and prophet Moses.

Stephen Talks About Joseph

“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. 13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. 15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.” – Acts 7:9-16

After beginning his defense by speaking about God’s covenant with Abraham, and then about Isaac and Jacob and the patriarchs, Stephen continues by talking about Joseph.

Stephen goes through the history of how Joseph’s brothers, the patriarchs, were jealous of Joseph and sold him into slavery in Egypt. And how God was with him, and after suffering through betrayal, injustice, and prison, God gave him favor and lifted him up to be a ruler over Egypt.

The similarities between Joseph and Jesus are striking. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him, just as there Jewish leaders were jealous of Jesus and how many people believed and followed Him.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Just as Jesus was betrayed by someone in His inner circle of disciples.

Joseph suffered through being falsely accused and the injustice of being imprisoned for years. Just as Jesus was falsely accused of blasphemy against God, and was crucified on the cross.

Stephen continued to talk about how Joseph ended up saving his father and his people from the terrible famine, because of his high position in Egypt. Just as Jesus became the promised Messiah and Savior of anyone that repents and believes and turns to Him.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

The Israelites Became Slaves In Egypt

“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. 19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.” – Acts 7:17-19

Stephen continued his defense and explanation to the chief priest and Sanhedrin by talking about what happened to God’s chosen people Israel after Joseph’s time. And how they became slaves and were treated harshly by a new Pharaoh that did not know Joseph.

The Israelites grew in number so much that they had become a threat to Pharaoh and Egypt. So much so that Pharaoh decreed that all male Israelite newborns be killed, to try to stop Israel from growing further.

Stephen was referring to Exodus 1 when he talked about Pharaoh’s order to have all male Hebrew babies killed.

“Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.” – Exodus 1:15-22

Stephen’s Defense Included Moses

“At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God’s sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house, 21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.” – Acts 7:20-22

Stephen continued his defense by continuing his summary of the history of Israel. He spoke about Moses, the prophet of God that was greatly revered by the Jewish leaders and people.

Stephen talked about how Moses was spared from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all newborn male Israelites by Pharaoh’s daughter. And how Moses was well educated, and raised as an Egyptian. And how he became mighty in words and deeds.

You can read about how Pharaoh’s daughter saved Moses and adopted him in Exodus 2.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

Moses Defends A Hebrew Being Beaten By An Egyptian

“When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.” – Acts 7:23-24

Stephen continues speaking to the Sanhedrin by talking about how Moses felt compelled to visit his people the Hebrews. When he did he saw an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrew slaves.

And Moses defended and avenged the Hebrew man, by killing the Egyptian that was beating and mistreating him. We find the account of this in Exodus 2.

“One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. 12 He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” – Exodus 2:11-12

One thing that is common in every part of Stephen’s defense is that he uses Scripture to make his points and his case.

Moses Visits His People Again The Next Day

“He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.” – Acts 7:25-29

Stephen’s defense included an account of how Moses, being a Hebrew, felt led by God to rescue and save his people from slavery in Egypt. And Moses thought that the Hebrews would understand that when he defended the Hebrew that was being beaten. And when he killed the Egyptian.

Stephen tells how the Hebrews did not understand that Moses was led by God to rescue them. And in fact they rejected Moses at that time, which was the first time that God tried to save them through Moses.

The Hebrew’s response to Moses was “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”

Moses thought that no one saw him killed the Egyptian who was beating the Hebrew slave. When he discovered that he was seen killing the Egyptian he fled to the wilderness.

We find the original account of this part of Moses’ life in Exodus 2.

“When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” 14 He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” 15 When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian.” – Exodus 2:13-15

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

God Calls Moses To Lead And Deliver The Israelites From Egypt

“Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.” – Acts 7:30-36

Stephen continues to talk about Moses in his defense. Next he talked about how after 40 years in the wilderness God called Moses at the burning bush to go back to Egypt and rescue and save His people.

So Moses was also a kind of savior for God’s people Israel. Just as Joseph was.

The first time God tried to save Israel from Egypt through Moses they rejected him. The second time they recognized that God sent Moses to deliver and save them, by the great signs and wonders God empowered Moses to do.

By going through Moses’ life so thoroughly, Stephen was showing in his defense that he (and his fellow followers of Jesus) acknowledged Moses and how God called him to save Israel. And that God made him a prophet and leader over Israel. And that he was not blaspheming against God, or Moses, or the law God gave to Moses for Israel.

Moses Talked About Another “Prophet” or Redeemer That God Will Send

“This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ 38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.” – Acts 7:37-38

Stephen continued to talk about Moses. He acknowledged that God appointed Moses to be a savior for Israel, and a ruler and prophet for them. And he is about to talk about how it was the Hebrews or Jews that actually rejected Moses and disobeyed he and God, not Stephen and the other current followers of Jesus.

But first Stephen mentioned that Moses told the people of Israel that God was going to send another “prophet” one day. Or another Redeemer.

We find this in Deuteronomy 18.

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.” – Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Stephen is now introducing the Messiah into his defense. And he does so by saying that Moses, the one supposedly revered by the Jewish leaders and the Sanhedrin he is talking to, talked about how God would send the Messiah. Moses used the word prophet, and he was talking about Jesus the Messiah.

And just as the Israelites rejected Moses the first time God sent him, the Jews would reject and kill Jesus the Messiah.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

The Similarities Between Moses And Jesus

The Israelites did not recognize the first time that God sent Moses to deliver them from slavery in Egypt, and they rejected him. The vast majority of Jews did not recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, and they rejected and even killed Him.

Moses was a Hebrew or Jew, just as Jesus was, born in the lineage of David.

Moses was raised in and came from the Egyptian king’s palace and ruling family. Jesus came from heaven’s throne and is The King of all in heaven and earth.

Moses was sent by God to redeem and save Israel from slavery in Egypt. Jesus was sent by God the Father to redeem and save all people from sin, and the punishment and separation from God that comes with sin.

Stephen Talks About How The Israelites Disobeyed Moses And God

“Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: “‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’” – Acts 7:39-43

Stephen then began to show how the Jewish forefathers began to reject and disobey Moses and God. Shortly after God saved them from slavery and harsh treatment in Egypt.

While Moses was with God for 40 days and nights receiving God’s laws for His people, the Israelites demanded that Aaron make them a false god, a golden calf. Which happened to be one of many false gods of Egypt.

In other words they hardened their hearts, and went back to one of the false Egyptian gods rather than follow and worship the Living God.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

Israel’s Pattern Of Turning To False gods

It would be a pattern that that the Israelite Jews would continue to live in throughout the history of Israel. Up until Stephen’s day, and we’ll beyond until the second coming of Christ.

Stephen was really bringing the stinging truth of how it was the Jews and their forefathers that were the ones who rejected and even killed God’s prophets, and the Messiah.

“But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: “‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’” – Acts 7:42-43

Stephen showed that from the time the Israelites had Aaron make the golden calf false god in the wilderness, up until God sent them into exile in Babylon, they continuously turned away from God and to false gods and idols.

Stephen emphasized the point by quoting the prophet Amos.

“Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 26 You shall take up Sikkuth (Moloch) your king, and Kiyyun (Rephan) your star-god—your images that you made for yourselves, 27 and I will send you into exile beyond Damascus (to Babylon),” says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts.” – Amos 5:25-27

Before verses 25 to 27, Amos rebuked Israel for their sinful and evil ways.

“Hear this word that I take up over you in lamentation, O house of Israel: 2 “Fallen, no more to rise, is the virgin Israel; forsaken on her land, with none to raise her up.” 3 For thus says the Lord God:
“The city that went out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went out a hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel.” – Amos 5:1-3

“Seek the Lord and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, 7 O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!” – Amos 5:6-7

“They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. 11 Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. 12 For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate.” – Amos 5:10-12

The Tent Of Witness

“Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, 49 “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest? 50 Did not my hand make all these things?’” – Acts 7:44-50

Stephen continued to bring the point that it was the Jews’ ancestors that were hard hearted and refused to bow down to and obey the Living God. They continually chose to turn to false gods, even though the Living God was with them.

In the day the Lord’s presence was evident by a cloud leading them through the wilderness. And at night by a pillar of fire leading them.

And the Lord’s presence was in the tent of witness. Which is another way of saying the tabernacle of God, which God instructed Moses to build. The tabernacle of God was a representation of God’s throne room in heaven, which we get a look at in Revelation 4 and 5.

Every day when the Israelites camped in the wilderness, all of the tribes and people of Israel faced the tabernacle. They were constantly aware of God’s presence in their midst, day and night. And yet they were rebellious and turned from God.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

The Temple Of God In Jerusalem

Stephen continued by next talking about the temple of God that Solomon built in Jerusalem. Although Stephen did not quote Ezekiel directly, the context of his message to the Sanhedrin was that the Jews continued to turn to false gods and idols after the temple was built.

The entire chapter 8 of Ezekiel talks about how God showed the prophet how the Israelites had started worshipping false gods and idols in the temple. They drew many pictures of false gods on the walls of the temple. And worshipped various false gods there.

“Then he said to me, “Son of man, lift up your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the altar gate, in the entrance, was this image of jealousy. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel are committing here, to drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see still greater abominations.” 7 And he brought me to the entrance of the court, and when I looked, behold, there was a hole in the wall. 8 Then he said to me, “Son of man, dig in the wall.” So I dug in the wall, and behold, there was an entrance. 9 And he said to me, “Go in, and see the vile abominations that they are committing here.” 10 So I went in and saw. And there, engraved on the wall all around, was every form of creeping things and loathsome beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel. 11 And before them stood seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had his censer in his hand, and the smoke of the cloud of incense went up. 12 Then he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’” 13 He said also to me, “You will see still greater abominations that they commit.”

14 Then he brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the Lord, and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. 15 Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? You will see still greater abominations than these.” 16 And he brought me into the inner court of the house of the Lord. And behold, at the entrance of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men, with their backs to the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east, worshiping the sun toward the east. 17 Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations that they commit here, that they should fill the land with violence and provoke me still further to anger?” – Ezekiel 8:5-17

God Does Not Dwell In Houses Made By Men

“But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands” – Acts 7:47-48

Stephen was accused of blasphemy, and also for saying what Jesus said, that He would raise up the temple in 3 days if it were destroyed. The Jews revered their traditions and their temple more than God.

Jesus said that He would raise up the temple in 3 days in John 2. He was referring to His body and His resurrection.

“The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” – John 2:13-22

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

Stephen Quotes Isaiah Concerning The Temple

Stephen continues speaking about the temple by quoting the prophet Isaiah.

“Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, 49 “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50 Did not my hand make all these things?’” – Acts 7:48-50

Stephen was quoting Isaiah 66.

“Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?” – Isaiah 66:1

Solomon, who built the temple in Jerusalem, said the same thing that Stephen said about God not dwelling in houses made by human hands. Solomon said it when he was dedicating the temple to God.

“But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! 19 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you, 20 that your eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 21 And listen to the pleas of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.” – 2 Chronicles 6:18-21

Stephen spoke about the tent of witness, or the tabernacle, to show that he believed that God ordained it. And he spoke about the temple to show that he believed that it too was ordained by God.

The Jews were accusing him of blasphemy against God, the law, and the temple. Stephen showed that he believed that God ordained the law given to Moses. And that God ordained the tent of witness given in the wilderness. And that God ordained the temple to be built by Solomon.

Stephen also showed that it was actually the Jews, the Israelites, that disobeyed God and the law. Throughout their history, starting in the wilderness after God rescued them from Egypt.

And Stephen showed that it was actually the Jews, the Israelites, that profaned the temple by worshipping false gods there. This would cause the high priest, the Sanhedrin, and his Jewish accusers to become incensed and extremely angry.

Stephen Shows The Current Jews Were Sinful And Rebellious Like Their Forefathers

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” – Acts 7:51-52

Stephen brings his point home by talking about the current Jews and Jewish leaders. He laid the foundation of how the Israelite Jews have always been hard hearted and rebellious by going through their history.

And now he begins to strongly tell the Sanhedrin and his Jewish accusers that they too are like their forefathers. Hard hearted and rebellious.

After the Israelites had Aaron make a golden calf false god in the wilderness, God called them a “stiff necked” people.

“And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people.” – Exodus 32:9

“Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people. 7 Remember and do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 9:6-7

Then Stephen mentioned the prophets that God sent, and how the Israelites had persecuted them.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

The Israelites Persecuted The Prophets God Sent

God sent many prophets in the Old Testament times to speak to His chosen people Israel. And to convict and warn them. And also to guide them.

And what did the Israelites do? Because they were rebellious and stubborn, they persecuted them.

They sawed Isaiah in half and killed him. They stoned Jeremiah. Uriah was killed with a sword. Zechariah was stoned to death in the courtyard of the temple, per the order of King Joash.

Jesus said this about Israel and their treatment of God’s prophets.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” – Matthew 23:37-39

Stephen Likens The Current Jews To Those That Persecuted And Killed God’s Prophets

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One” – Acts 7:51-52

Stephen called the current Jews and Jewish leaders stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears. And that they were just like their forefathers that persecuted and even killed God’s prophets who announced the coming of the Righteous One. Meaning the Messiah.

Now Stephen is bringing his message and point around to Jesus, the promised Messiah. The “prophet” or Messiah that Moses said God would send.

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

The Current Jews Killed The Messiah

“Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” – Acts 7:52-53

Stephen closes his defense and message by condemning the Jews and especially the Jewish leaders for being stiff-necked and rebellious like their forefathers.

And that they betrayed killed the Messiah, who came to redeem and save them. Just as their forefathers had persecuted and even killed the prophets that God sent.

The Current Jews Were The Ones Not Keeping God’s Law

As if Stephen telling the Sanhedrin that they are stiff-necked and rebellious like their forefathers that killed the prophets was not bad enough, Stephen closes by saying 1 more thing. After mentioning that they even killed the promised Messiah, Stephen tells them that they are the ones that have received God’s law but do not keep it.

They accused him of blasphemy against God and His law. And he closes by saying they are the ones not submitting to God and following His word and law.

“you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” – Acts 7:53

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

The Sanhedrin’s Reaction

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him… But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him.” – Acts 7:54, 58

When Stephen said that they were stiff-necked and rebellious and killed the Messiah like their forefathers killed the prophets, the Sanhedrin and Stephen’s accusers became enraged. They were so angry that they were grinding their teeth at Stephen.

Then they dragged Stephen out of Jerusalem and stoned him. Which pretty much proved Stephen’s point. They indeed were stiff-necked and rebellious people, just like their forefathers. And just like these same people betrayed and killed Jesus they Messiah not long before, they stoned Stephen to death.

Stephen’s Reaction To The Jews’ Rage

“But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God… And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” – Acts 7:55-56, 59-60

As the Jews were flying into a rage, Stephen looked into heaven and saw God’s glory. And he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

There was no fear. And no anger in Stephen. He was a man fully surrendered to Jesus. And thus he was a man full of the Holy Spirit. He is described as such in Acts 6.

“Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 6:3-5

 

Acts 7 – Stephen Speaks To Jewish Leaders And Is Killed

Stephen Was Like Jesus At The End

When Jesus was humiliated, whipped and beaten, and then crucified on a cross, what was His reaction? Anger? Revenge? No.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34

Stephen, a man filled with the Holy Spirit, reacted the same way Jesus did.

“And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” – Acts 7:61

A Young Man Named Saul

One other thing to mention that we see at the time of Stephen’s death. We are introduced to a young Jewish man named Saul.

Saul was a young Jewish man from Tarsus. He was living in Jerusalem at the time. And historical writings and records indicate he was studying under the Jewish teacher or rabbi Gamaliel.

We met Gamaliel in Acts 5, when the apostles were arrested and had to appear before the Sanhedrin.

“But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.” – Acts 5:34-40

Gamaliel was a well respected Pharisee that was considered one of the top Jewish teachers and rabbis at that time.

And we now meet Saul for the first time. Who would go on to be one of the biggest persecutors of the early church in Acts.

 

 

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The goal isn’t simply to learn more about God.

The goal is to know God personally, love Him deeply, hear His voice, walk with Him daily, and experience a growing intimacy with Him.

 

 

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