Acts 7 -- Stephen's Indictment Of The Nation, Not Himself

My commentary said that Stephen’s long sermon was “more than a recitation of familiar facts; it was also a refutation of their indictments against Stephen and a revelation of their own national sins.  Stephen proved from their own Scriptures that the Jewish nation was guilty of worse sins than those they accused him of committing.”

 

My commentary also had a very interesting take of what three specific events meant:

 

“For Israel, Stephen’s death meant condemnation … When they allowed Herod to kill John, the Jews sinned against God the Father who had sent John.  When they asked Pilate to crucify Jesus, they sinned against God the Son, and when they stoned Stephen, Israel sinned against the Holy Spirit who was working in and through the apostles.  Jesus said that this sin could never be forgiven.”

 

For Paul, Stephen’s death eventually meant salvation.  There he was, holding the cloaks of those stoning Stephen.  “God never wastes the blood of His saints.  Saul would one day see the same glory that Stephen saw and would behold the Son of God and hear Him speak!”

 

Father, help me not to hold back as I tell others about what You did on that cross.  Let my words be used by You to lead others to saving faith in the sacrifice of Your Son.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford