Acts 7 - Unshakeable Stephen Explains History
In this episode, we dive deep into Acts 7, where Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, delivers an impassioned speech to the Sanhedrin. He recounts the history of Israel, from Abraham to Moses, and connects it to the coming of Jesus Christ. Stephen’s speech is a masterful summary of the Old Testament, revealing God’s consistent faithfulness to His people despite their repeated disobedience.
Stephen’s Recap of Israel’s History: Stephen begins his speech by recounting God’s call to Abraham, emphasizing the promise of a land and descendants. He follows the lineage through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, highlighting Joseph’s journey from betrayal to a position of power in Egypt.
Moses and the Exodus: Stephen moves on to Moses, focusing on his role as Israel’s deliverer. Despite God’s miracles, the Israelites rejected Moses, a pattern of resistance that Stephen argues continued with the prophets and culminated in their rejection of Jesus.
The Accusation Against the Sanhedrin: Stephen boldly accuses the Jewish leaders of being “stiff-necked” and resisting the Holy Spirit. He draws a parallel between their actions and those of their ancestors, who persecuted the prophets.
Stephen’s Martyrdom: As Stephen’s words pierce the hearts of the Sanhedrin, they react with fury, ultimately stoning him to death. Even in his final moments, Stephen displays Christ-like forgiveness, praying for his executioners and committing his spirit to God.
Stephen’s speech is a profound reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Despite human failure, God’s promises remain steadfast. Stephen’s courage and his deep understanding of God’s plan challenge us to live with the same conviction, ready to stand for truth even when faced with adversity.
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