“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 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, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”(Acts 7:51-53 ESV)
Some people are judicious with their words. They are clear but careful. They know who they are talking to and gently weave their words together. Others are bulldozers. They are a verbal wreaking crew unleashing havoc, maybe intentionally and likely on purpose. Which are you?
We might be tempted to read Stephen’s words above and label him as the later. He pulls no punches. He is direct and cutting. But I think there is something deeper going on here. He is not speaking to godless pagans, but to individuals that have staked their livelihoods and reputations on their righteousness actions. These are ‘good’ people. So what is he doing? This Sunday we will take another look into Acts 7. I want to encourage you to read through the narrative in Acts 6-7 to refresh yourself with the context. Then, plan to join us for worship at 10:30.
