Stephen: Martyr for the Faith
Introduction
The most common complaint made by a visitor to a church is that the members are not friendly, so that the visitors feel unwelcome. But by far the complaint that is most often lodged against a church is that the church does not care either for some members of its own congregation or for the community. The earliest charge made against the Jerusalem church is that it did not care for some members of its congregation.
Argument in the Church
A. The Accusation: the church does not care because some members are neglected.
- Early church had everything in common.
- No Social Security
- Grecian widows-vs-Hebrew widows
- Surplus distribution: Grecian widows didn’t get their fair share.
B. The Commission: Church followed the example of Moses, Exodus 18:21.
- Church chose 7 men “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”
- All 7 men were Grecian Jews! (Those who complain get elected to do the job.)
C. The Testimony of each of the 7: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, especially Stephen: “full of faith and the Holy Spirit”
D. The Service: deacons supervised the surplus distribution so the apostles could devote their time to preaching and prayer.
Capture of Stephen
A. The Antagonism of members of the synagogue of the Freedmen.
B. The Commission of false witnesses.
C. The Testimony of the false witnesses: “this fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law and customs of Moses,” vv. 13-14.
D. The Scrutiny of the Sanhedrin: “they looked intently at Stephen.”
Testimony of Stephen
A. The Apology of Stephen–>his defense, he recounted how God related to Israel before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.
B. The Countenance of Stephen’s face was like an angel’s. See Psalm 34:5 and 2 Corinthians 3:18.
C. The Tabernacle of the Testimony, the first accusation against Stephen was fulfilled in Jesus, cf John 1:14.
D. The Scrutiny of the Sanhedrin or cross examination of the sin of the Sanhedrin in condemning an innocent man, Jesus, in an illegal trial. They crucified Jesus, vv. 51-53.
Stoning of Stephen
A. The Anger of the Sanhedrin boiled over into fury when Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
B. The Confirmation of Stephen’s faith: “I see Jesus.”
C. The Throwing Stephen outside the city and stoning him. And Saul held the coats of those who killed Stephen.
D. The Supplication of Stephen, cf Exodus 32:10-14 and the Lord’s “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Conclusion
Jan Struther’s hymn:
When Stephen, full of power and grace, Went forth throughout the land,
He bore no shield before his face, No weapon in his hand;
But only in his heart a flame And on his lips a sword
Wherewith he smote and overcame The foemen of the Lord.
When Stephen, young and doomed to die, Fell crushed beneath the stones,
He had no curse nor vengeful cry For those who broke his bones;
But only in his heart a flame And on his lips a prayer
That God, in sweet forgiveness’ name Should understand and spare.
Let me, O Lord, thy cause defend, A knight without a sword;
No shield I ask, no faithful friend, No vengeance, no reward;
But only in my heart a flame And in my soul a dream,
So that the stones of earthly shame A jeweled crown may seem.
How would our ACTS be judged? If we were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?