Alex Kremer 06-20-2020 // Stephen's Defense; Acts 7:1-14

As Acts 6 closed, we saw Stephen, "full of grace and power...performing great wonders and signs among the people."  Those from among the Jews who argued with him were "unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking" (Acts 6:8, 10).  The Jewish leaders therefore brought Stephen before the Sanhedrin, bringing against him false charges that he spoke against the temple and against Moses, His servant.

In the opening portion of Acts 7, we see Stephen begin to make his defense.  First, we see him address those present as his brothers and fathers.  While his accusers treated him with no respect, Stephen responded with respect, establishing common through the worship of the same God.  But in his defense, he also gave an indictment of those accusing him.  His indictment focused on three themes:

1. God, and therefore the people of God, are not restricted to a certain location, such as a land or temple.
2. Israel has a history of rejecting the prophets and deliverers sent by God
3. God's vindication of His servants.

Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's Word.